JUST one store now remains inside the Hardshaw Centre as the clock ticks down towards the closure of the shopping arcade.
Heron Foods' move last week to Church Square leaves only discount store One Below left in the building.
'We've moved' signs are dotted around the walls of St Helens town centre's Hardshaw Centre and plans are now being made to relocate One Below to Church Square, in the former H & M store.
It is believed a closing date for the Hardshaw Centre had been scheduled for July 31 but this could be pushed back into August to give the store a little more time to make the move.
Already this year the likes of Alpha News and Womble Inn have become occupiers of stores on Church Street, St Helens, providing a boost to the high street.
They've joined the likes of TJ Hughes, Bonmarche, Infinity Occasions and Shoe Zone, which have all upped sticks in a phased approach over the past year after the council - which bought the centre - gave notice of its intention to redevelop the site with regeneration partners the English Cities Fund.
Once the centre closes hoardings will be erected and a timetable will be set for the building to bulldozed to make space for regeneration works, although the former M&S unit will be retained.
The centre is still being used by many as a cut through between the Bickerstaffe bus station and Church - but that route will end once the site is closed.
What is phase 1 of the regeneration strategy?
The Hardshaw Centre will be flattened as part of the first phase of the town centre redevelopment, which is a partnership project by the English Cities Fund and St Helens Council.
Phase one's plans include:
A new bus station for St Helens The creation of a new Gamble Square, the pedestrianisation of Bickerstaffe Street and the widening of Corporation Street.
Extensive demolition of the Hardshaw Centre and other key properties
A 120-bed hotel
A new modern market hall, with food and beverage stalls.
New homes - including apartments and family homes
New retail units to support independent traders and high street names
Extensive public realm works linking the new development to the train station, bus station and Church Square.
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