The date for the transformation one of Southport's most iconic buildings has been set.
Work on the upper floors of the former BHS building will begin this year, with developers aiming to have the project completed by July 2024. The first round of developments will start in September this year and focus on "immediate repair works to the building".
In early 2023 work will begin to convert the first, second, and, third floors of the iconic Chapel Street building into 30 new apartments. The ground floor has already been converted into a cafe and planning permission has been given to add a pub and three retail units to the site.
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In a planning statement to Sefton Council, WD Architects said: “The project entails the construction of 30 self-contained flats within the existing building, 17-23 Chapel Street. The units are to be built using traditional methods.
“Priority works such as, immediate repair works to the building and removal and making good of the existing canopy should commence in September 2022 and are expected to last approximately three months. The construction works to create the flats are to commence early 2023 and are expected to last 12-18 months, with practical completion expected to be July 2024."
The 19th-century building has been empty since the closure of BHS in 2016 and due to its deteriorating condition, it was put on the ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register by Sefton Council. It is hoped the new developments will be the first step in helping to revitalise the area.
The report said: "Making good of existing elevations following removal of the awning will include; paintwork, fixing any architectural detail, windows and any window surrounds that may have been disturbed by the awning. Works to the existing building will be carried out to prevent any further damage caused from being unoccupied for long periods of time.
"Work on the site will take place Monday to Friday 8am-5.30pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays – no working hours permitted. Given the restrictive nature of the site, the main entrance will be via the ground floor entrance of Corporation Street for all visitors, contractors, and deliveries."
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