Nostalgic images that span a century of St Helens town centre

Many Sintelliners carry a pride of place in their hometown and frequently name venues such as the covered market, Tyrers, Helena House, the Fleece Hotel and the Savoy Cinema as lost venues that still hold a special place in their hearts.

Some of these beloved venues have been lost to the history books as the town centre, like many others, has struggled with declining high street trends.

This decline is what the council is attempting to address with its £90m regeneration plans, with a new market hall, homes, offices, hotel, and retail space aiming to transform the town centre.

Many residents agree that the town centre is in need of transformation, but the changing times often make old images of the town all the more poignant.

As the regeneration plans are set to take place later this year, the Star has delved deep into the archives to find nostalgic images of the town centre that span much of the twentieth century.

READ > Iconic Woolworths building to be demolished and replaced by new market hall

The ornately designed Griffins store stands at the top of Westfield Street in this photo from around 1960. In the distance are row upon row of terraced houses. The two buildings that are still recognisable are the Beechams Clock Tower and the Sefton Arms

The old covered market is crammed full of shoppers browsing through the fruit and veg stalls and florists in this picture from the 60s. The market will be the inspiration for the design of the new market hall, which will be built as part of St Helens transformation.

Tyrers department store (above and below) is a much-missed feature of St Helens town centre.

An old horse-drawn fire engine is ridden through the streets of St Helens in this picture from 1975.

A 1969 photo of a bustling Ormskirk Street in St Helens. The Gas Service building is on the left and further along the road is the sign for the Blue Parrot nightclub (now the Imperial)

From the bottom of Prescot Road, the view is looking across St Helens along Westfield Street an across the old college campus site in this photo from 1967.

The splendour of Church Square, with M&S and Woolies in the background

Martins Bankat the junction of Church Street and Hardshaw Street. The scene is similar today.

The Theatre Royal's frontage has been a key feature of St Helens down the years.

A charming snapshot of Mrs Hawksworth and her daughter Alice on their fruit and veg stall at St Helens market at Christmas-time. Also pictured is Reverend William G West who was the minister at Peasley Cross Congregation Church from 1953 to 1959.

The ornate, mock Tudor Griffins store was an impressive sight on the corner of Westfield Street . Today it's the site of the HSBC bank.

Department store Tyrers wasn't always on Bridge Street. It was born on Liverpool Road, St Helens, when William Tinsley founded a menswear store in the late 19th century.

• Pictures from the St Helens Star archives and St Helens Community History Archives