PLANS have been submitted to turn the former St Helens Star office on Hardshaw Street into a bar and restaurant on the ground floor, with flats on the upper storeys.

Proposals state the ground floor would be changed to a "licensed bar with restaurant" if plans get the go-ahead.

There are also plans for five flats for the first and second floors which have been submitted by the same applicant.

Consultation on the plans for the restaurant last until March 31 and on the proposals for the flats until Tuesday, April 4.

The building has been empty since the Star relocated to Catapult Too at Parade Street, St Helens in November 2015.