Words by PR client Paul Nicholson

In 2016, St Helens lost a 128-year-old high street icon when Tyrers department store closed its doors.

I took a local regeneration calculated risk on town centre potential and bought the historic Bridge Street building and spearheaded a multi-million-pound restoration.

We transformed the landmark into modern commercial space, apartments, and a vibrant community hub while preserving its unique character.

Initially, when the legendary Tyrers department store closed after 128 years, many saw an empty space and the end of an era.

We proved what happens when institutional-grade residential operators bet big on local heritage.

The media and St Helens Council soon called it a defining moment for St Helens town centre.

Instead of letting a iconic piece of St Helens history fade away, we created a modern, multi-use space—balancing sleek contemporary design with deep respect for the town’s architectural roots.

Regeneration isn’t just about constructing new buildings; it’s about breathing fresh purpose into the spaces that already hold a place in a community’s heart.

Looking back ten years later, that investment was a powerful vote of confidence in St Helens’ future and a blueprint for how urban revitalisation should be done across the North West.