A PLANNING application has been submitted seeking to create six apartments in the upper floors of a prominent corner building in the town centre.

A bid for a change of use of the upper two floors of the three-storey building at 87-89 Church Street from office/storage use to six one-bedroom apartments has been sent to council planners.

Plans include for general refurbishment works and replacement of all windows at the first and second floor levels.

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Believed to have been built in the 1870s, the grand three-storey building on the corner of Church Street and Hall Street was first used by the Freemasons group in St Helens.

Still known as the Masonic Building, a little further down the road from the St Helens Masonic Hall on Hall Street, the venue has also operated as a Chinese restaurant and an Army and Navy store in the past.

Earlier this month, Cafe Masonic launched in the ground floor, which offers a varied menu serving all-day breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, rice boxes, soups, and more.

A design and access statement, drawn up by Cheshire Planning Solutions, on behalf of applicants Green Property and Development, described the building as a "substantial, three-storey corner building comprising a ground floor restaurant with basement and separate side access to long term vacant accommodation on the first and second floors."

The proposals are on standard consultation to the public until Monday, October 7.

A decision is expected by council planners by November 6.