A PIZZA restaurant in St Helens town centre which closed amid Covid and the cost-of-living crisis is set to be revived at adjacent premises.

Cork & Dough's pizza oven has moved across to the Imperial Food & Drink Quarter in St Helens.

Owner Ian Pitts is aiming to serve pizza from the venue over the summer months.

Although there is no fixed date yet for it opening, it will deliver a boost to the town centre's food and drink sector.

Cork & Dough opened in late 2018 and received positive feedback from Star readers, with many likening it to a city-style venue.

But, like many hospitality venues, it was hit by the effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

The restaurant has remained closed in recent years, with Mr Pitts advertising for new tenants to move in.

The entrepreneur has subsequently developed the former sports shop which neighbours the Imperial Buildings and hopes to attract eateries to move in there.

Mr Pitts also owns the Imperial nightclub and bar, The Church, Secret Garden and the Citadel.

With the town centre retail sector having suffered significantly due to an increase in online shopping and the growth of edge-of-town retail parks, those leading the transformation plans for St Helens believe a strong food and drink offer is vital.