AN ACTION group which formed to oppose building on green belt land has welcomed the renovation of the former Tyrers building - calling it “the right kind of development in the right location”.
The Eccleston Community Residents Association formed to protest over plans to build on green belt land in the borough outlined in the initial draft of the borough’s Local Plan.
Eccleston and Windle residents joined forces to speak against proposed green belt developments including up to 2,500 new homes across Eccleston and Eccleston Park.
The former Tyrers on Bridge Street has been transformed by the Luxor Group into Nicholson Lofts - consisting of 15 luxury apartments.
Group chair Mike Greenacre said: “ECRA congratulate the Luxor Group for their vision and success in developing the iconic Tyrers building.
“This achievement is proof that developing alternative housing in our town centre reveals a desire to focus housing of the right kind in the right location.
“The effect of this development will impact positively on the area where the residents are close to retail outlets, bus routes and the train station as well as town centre workplaces.
“ECRA agrees with the many St Helens residents who have stated that a vibrant town centre holds the keys to attracting more people to take up residency in our town and borough.
“We will continue to campaign for more of these developments on brownfield sites in the revised St Helens Plan, due in summer 2018.”
The group said it hopes the council “can now focus more of its planned housing growth on the many brownfield sites around the town centre”.
It added: “Green belt provides the borough with a positive environment – countryside, nature and farmland located away from transport links, employment opportunities and town centre shops.”
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