A PLANNING application for permission to create 18 flats at the former Woolworths building in St Helens town centre and create commercial units has been submitted.

Proposals seek permission for the change of use of the vacant building on Church Street, with four ground floor commercial units.

The building has lay empty for much of the past 12 years, since Woolies' closure in December 2008, having been based at the premises since 1960.

It was used occupied by Poundworld for a period before it relocated, with the occasional 'pop up' retail use but the building has been largely unused. The building went on the market in 2019.

Proposals have been sent to the council after chartered surveyor Cosey Homes took over the former Woolies store.

Cosey Homes said in April their plan, in the short term, was to offer the space for use, free of charge, to any organisations which need a space where they can help contribute towards the defeat of COVID-19.

However, the future plans, following the pandemic, are to break up the space into smaller retail units and create a business hub.

Speaking to the Star, Mr Cosy said: "St Helens is a town full of potential and the concept of retail is changing throughout the world due to changing consumer behaviours. Consequently many units in the town centre are now vacant.

"We shouldn’t be deterred by this, we should see this as an opportunity for change, modernisation and reconfiguration of the existing paradigm.

"This particular property presents one such opportunity. Working with St Helens Council we aim to play our part in bringing the town centre back to life."

St Helens Star: The former WoolworthsThe former Woolworths

A design and access statement in the plans, drawn up by Lightwater TPC on behalf of Mr Cosy, says: "Once part of the main retail attraction in this area of the town centre, the large open plan sales floor and extensive ancillary facilities have proven difficult to re-let for any period of time since the closure of the Woolworths store.

"The persistent vacancy is now detrimental to the vitality of an area which should be, and can be again, a vibrant and commercially successful area.

"In summary, the overall project aims to bring the entire building back into use, through the creation of four new ground floor commercial units to Church Street and the conversion of the remainder of the space to create 18 apartments".

Plans include for the creation of 18 apartments, with a private gym for residents.

The ground floor would have one two-bed apartment and three one-bed apartments; the first floor five two-bed apartments, four one-bed apartments and the private gym and the second floor one two-bed apartment and four one-bed apartments.

Plans add: "The sub-division of the existing large, open-plan sales floor will provide smaller, more affordable commercial units, ideal for local, independent businesses.

"The scheme will provide quality, modern apartments, seeking to attract young professionals looking for a town centre lifestyle.

"As well as attracting custom and footfall to the new commercial units during business hours, the presence of the residential accommodation overlooking the public space around the church will also help to increase the attractiveness of the area.

"This project will inject new life into a major building at this end of Church Street, supporting the town centre as a whole and in particular the ambition and vision of the council for the regeneration of Church Street".

A determination deadline on plans has been set for March 11.