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Local developer shows continued confidence in St Helens town centre transformation

St Helens based Nicholson Group is an award-winning property development and investment company with a portfolio exceeding 300 rental units across both residential and commercial sectors and, with a pipeline of over 100 units currently under construction, the Group continues to scale at pace.

Paul Nicholson, CEO & Founder, Nicholson Group

Founder & CEO, Paul Nicholson explains why he has a passion for tackling complex conversions and heritage-led developments, particularly in St Helens, and why he would encourage other investors to look to the area as a prime investment location.

Nicholson Group began investing in St Helens in 2017, and since then it has delivered a series of transformational schemes - including the repurposing of the iconic former Tyrers Building, the regeneration of Barrow Street and Claughton Street, the expansion of the former Bridge Street Post Office, and the award-winning redevelopment of the Grade II listed Beechams Building. Currently, the Group is delivering the ambitious redevelopment of Radiant House and progressing plans for the former Canteen Building at the Alexandra Park complex.

Paul says:

"Collectively, these projects represent the delivery of 174 residential units with a gross development value nearing £30 million. Each scheme has brought new life to previously derelict and underutilised buildings, attracting residents back to the heart of the town centre and acting as a magnet for inward investment and new businesses."

Working closely with St Helens Borough Council's Planning and Building Control Service, Nicholson Group have delivered developments to support business growth within the town centre, a recent highlight of which is the opening of Bella Rosa in a newly refurbished unit on Claughton Street. The Council had previously turned down proposals for residential use, identifying the location as prime for retail and leisure offerings.

Paul explains how the Council have supported Nicholson Group's ambitions saying:

"St Helens Council has played a key role in supporting Nicholson Group's investment in the town centre, recognising us as a best-in-class developer with a clear vision for creating new markets and reshaping urban spaces.

"The Council has worked collaboratively and progressively with Nicholson Group, enabling us to push the boundaries of conventional development. This partnership was exemplified in the transformation of the former Post Office into Nicholson Astoria, where the Council supported an ambitious design featuring duplex penthouses with 360-degree rooftop gardens and an unprecedented four-storey extension to the rear elevation marking a first-of-its-kind scheme for the town.

"This forward-thinking approach has continued at Radiant House, now to be known as Nicholson Point, where the Council backed our vision to create a Parisian-inspired Art Deco rooftop development. The project includes a landmark three-bedroom penthouse in a highly prominent location breathing new life into a building that was otherwise on the brink of dereliction and abandonment."

These developments are taking place at a time when St Helens town centre is being transformed with a once-in-a-lifetime regeneration project. St Helens Borough Council has ambitious plans for the town centre to be a child and family-friendly, safe and sustainable thriving place for local businesses, shoppers, visitors, and residents.

Speaking of the wider town centre regeneration Paul says:

"The proposed regeneration of St Helens town centre presents a wealth of exciting opportunities. It has the potential to attract national brands and capture the attention of destination operators, driving new demand for mixed-use schemes and revitalising the town's commercial landscape.

"This transformation will significantly increase footfall, strengthen the local economy, and stimulate demand for residential living, as more people seek to live, work, and spend leisure time within a vibrant, connected town centre environment. The regeneration will not only reshape the perception of St Helens, but it will also rebrand and reimagine the town in the eyes of both investors and the wider public.

"As the town transitions towards a 24/7 economy, it will become a more attractive and dynamic place to live and work. Those who invested early are likely to see substantial growth in value over the coming years.

"At Nicholson Group, we believe in the town's future so strongly that we have relocated our own offices to the heart of the town centre, a decision that reflects our long-term commitment and confidence in St Helens' resurgence."

It is with this transformation in mind that Paul offers his advice to other investors who are looking to expand their business saying:

"I'd strongly encourage new businesses to consider relocating to St Helens and take advantage of the high-quality commercial space currently available. Now is a strategic moment to invest, as early entrants are best positioned to benefit from the town's regeneration-led growth.

"Those who wait may find prices double in the years ahead, as has been the case in comparable regeneration zones across the country. History shows that early adopters reap the greatest rewards—securing premium locations at competitive rates and establishing a firm foothold in an emerging market before the full uplift takes effect.

"We see significant untapped opportunity in the hospitality sector, with strong demand emerging for both daytime and nighttime operations. As the town centre evolves into a more vibrant, mixed-use environment, the combination of a growing residential population and an underserved daytime economy presents a compelling case for cafés, bars, restaurants, and other hospitality-led uses.

"Businesses that act now will not only lock in affordable commercial space but also align themselves with a town on the brink of transformation. It's an opportunity to invest in tomorrow's success at today's prices."

Giving his final thoughts on why St Helens is an ideal destination for investors Paul says:

"St Helens is transforming those bold enough to invest today will lead the economy of tomorrow. From hospitality to retail, opportunity is wide open for those who move first."

To find out more about Nicholson Group visit https://www.nicodevelopments.com/

To find out more about the St Helens Town Centre regeneration visit https://sthelenstowncentre.co.uk/

Last modified on 01 September 2025