PROPOSALS to extend an existing town centre bar have been given approval by council planners.

Businessman Ian Pitts sent in plans seeking permission to expand the Secret Garden, on Ormskirk Street.

A planning application was sent in seeking permission for a change of use of the neighbouring former Urban King clothes shop on Ormskirk Street and tattoo studio to a drinking establishment with food to extend the existing bar. 

The premises next door to the Imperial Building, which houses bars and restaurants including Cork & Dough, Imperial, The Terrace, The Secret Garden, The Church and The Yard, and is across the road from the Imperial Quarter street food and drink market.

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A design and access statement in the plans stated: “The premises is proposed to operate as an extension to The Secret Garden - the bar which is located next door. The link will be achieved by creating two small openings in the existing party wall toward the rear.

“The ground floor will house two independent food outlets on a rolling basis, and seating areas. The first floor will include a bar to the right side and additional seating, the installation of the bifold doors to the front will create a viewpoint to the Imperial Quarter development.

“The smaller top floor will be used as a private room, with its own bar and outdoor terrace area, for private bookings.

“The proposal will provide an extension to the successful Secret Garden Bar and will also form a tie to the newly constructed (Imperial) Food Quarter which opened in 2022."

St Helens Star: The Secret Garden launched in 2017The Secret Garden launched in 2017 (Image: St Helens Star)

It added: “St Helens is becoming known for its support of independent vendors with many successful businesses located in the town, the addition of the Food Quarter and this proposed venture will bring a further eight independent businesses to the town offering further diversity.

“The proposed use of the building we feel will maximise its potential and will also complement the regeneration project set out for St Helens by attracting visitors to the town and also assist with local residents having the benefit of a city inspired food quarter without the need to travel out of the town."

A report by planning officer Alex Ball, recommending approval, stated the operational times of the proposed use will be from 9am to 1.30am every day.

It added: “The proposed development will operate during the night-time period with background music. Given the town centre location where noise and disturbance is expected it is considered acceptable.”

The report said: “The Council’s noise officer has raised no objections to the development subject to several conditions, such as, noise from plant, venue noise and noise control measures, and commercial noise insulation.

“It is therefore considered that the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on residential amenity.”

Permission for the plans has been granted.