ST HELENS food and drink sector will be boosted by the opening of two new venues this summer.

As reported last week, the first units are being lined up for the new development at the former Chalon Way multi-story site off Foundry Street, St Helens.

Steel Life Chalon Way will look to take over the land next to the Hotties canal for up to seven years with upcycled shipping containers providing the setting for a variety of food, drink, business start-ups and cinema on the site.

But work is also progressing on the Imperial Quarter Food and Drink Market on Brook Street in the town centre as the latest pictures show it is edging closer to completion.

Owned by local entrepreneur Ian Pitts, the venue will look to bring a vibrant, city-centre vibe to St Helens, with the site expected to house a series of street food units and bars.

Construction work has been ongoing for more than a year, with problems posed by the pandemic and a shortage of construction materials delaying completion.

But as a video posted on Instagram shows, the food and drink market, created on the site of a former public toilets, is edging closer, with work continuing in recent weeks.

Bosses are still to confirm an opening date but the two new locations could add another dimension to the social scene in St Helens, which was hit hard by the pandemic.

The venue is adjacent to Mr Pitts' other venues on Ormskirk, which include: Imperial Bar and Terrace, The Secret Garden and The Church.

When plans were approved last year, it was said that 20 new jobs could be created.