Written by: Edward Feather on 5th February 2025
A prominent town centre building is set to go under the hammer on Wednesday, February 26, with a guide price of £400,000. The property includes the site of the former Chinese Buffet restaurant, along with the former 66 American Steakhouse and Phoenix Plant-Based Eatery, offering a significant opportunity for potential buyers.
Spanning an impressive 2,271sqm (24,565 sq. ft.), the site is divided into three individual vacant commercial units. The largest section, which was once home to the Chinese Buffet restaurant, occupies 1,800sqm (19,368 sq. ft.) across three floors. The space features a large kitchen area, function rooms, and various bars, seating, and storage spaces—ideal for repurposing or redevelopment.
The units are accessible via a central loading bay, which includes double-height roller shutter doors for easy vehicle access. The total site extends to approximately 0.34 acres, providing ample space for ongoing commercial use or potential redevelopment, subject to necessary consents.
The property has an interesting history, as it is located on the site of the former Savoy Picture House and Cannon Cinema. The Chinese Buffet chain occupied the Bridge Street premises from the early 2010s after plans to convert the building into a nightclub fell through. In November 2024, the Chinese Buffet restaurant chain indicated that it had "temporarily" closed, but St Helens Council, the landlord of the building, confirmed they are now exploring alternative uses for the space after failing to reach an agreement with the restaurant.
This auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire a large commercial property in a prime town centre location with potential for future development.
Bidding opens on Tuesday 25th February and registration for the auction closes at 12 noon on Monday 24th. The full list of properties featuring in the auction can be found here.
Written by: Edward Feather on 5th February 2025
Edward is an experienced property auctioneer with over 15 years' property auction experience and considerable knowledge of the North West property market.
Edward joined Pugh & Co in September 2018 from SDL Auctions in Chester. He was also a Director at the Cheshire and North Wales franchise of the Auction House business, based at estate agent Humphreys in Chester, before its acquisition by SDL in 2016.
