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Independent education provider MD Creatives has acquired an iconic building in St Helens town centre, and will now turn it into a multi-purpose resource centre complete with a library, IT suite, radio station and classrooms.

The "ground-breaking" Merseyside college launches this month on nearby Barrow Street, but has now announced the acquisition of the former Tyrers department store on the corner of Milk Street and Bridge Street.

The announcement has been made as part of the college's growing academy, with the building also set to include hotdesk opportunities for other businesses to utilise.

The classrooms at the building now known as Nicholson Lofts will complement MD’s nearby vocational academy.

It is also proposed to recreate the historic venue’s famous tea rooms and deli at the rear of the property, in a 1920s style.

The family-run Tyrers was a staple of St Helens' life for decades until it closed to the public in 2016. MD Creatives has signed a 10-year lease with the owners of the building, Nicholson Group, to revitalise the ground floor and basement of the much-loved 4,500 sq ft property.

Miguel Doforo, creative director and founder of MD Creatives, said: “We were looking for a space in the town centre to house the academic side of our provision, separate to the more vocational offering at the academy on Barrow Street.

"The old Tyrers building then came to our attention, and we just fell in love with the history of the place. We are all about telling stories here at MD, be it through dance, song or art, and boy, does this building have a story to tell.