A NEW food and drink market that launched in St Helens this weekend has been described as a "sign of things to come".
The Imperial Food and Drink Quarter opened up on Brook Street on Friday, October 28 and guests enjoyed a weekend of live music, street food and drinks.
Launched by local businessman Ian Pitts, the venue aims to bring a city centre feel into St Helens and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
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With indoor, outdoor, and balcony seating at the Quarter, the launch of the business went down well as crowds of people flocked to the food and drink venue over the weekend.
This included a visit from Saints fan-favourite Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook as well as the Mayor of St Helens and leading councillors.
With regeneration plans in the pipeline for the town centre, leader of the council David Baines hailed the venue as a "game changer" that the town can build its redevelopment around.
Cllr Baines, who attended the launch on Friday evening, said: "The addition of Imperial Quarter really is a game changer which I believe can turn around the town centre’s fortune and kickstart the regeneration and investment residents want to see here.
"For many years, Ian has been a truly inspirational business ambassador for our borough, investing in a number of ventures to bring a city centre vibe to the town centre, with Imperial Quarter – standing on an old, disused toilet block – his most bold and ambitious project yet which has certainly paid off.
“As a council, we have bold and ambitious plans of our own for the future of St Helens town centre and venues like this, which will attract visitors into town, is a sign of things to come.”
Imperial Quarter is the latest investment into St Helens from Mr Pitts, with the businessman also owning pizza restaurant Cork & Dough, the Secret Garden gin bar, underground bar The Church, and the Citadel Theatre in the town centre.
With a number of vibrant venues in the town, the Quarter aims to give people another reason to stay in St Helens and spend money locally, rather than travelling out of town for a night out.
Speakaing to the Star ahead of Imperial Quarter's opening night, Mr Pitts said: "It's been a tough time for businesses over the past few years, and independents have really struggled.
"That's why we need the support from local people to come and spend their money here so we can keep growing and developing.
"Ultimately, my aim is to provide investment and give people a reason to stay in the town; where they can come for a drink or something to eat and go on to support other local venues."
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