Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
David Humphreys

New details released about £10m plans for former Debenhams store

New details have been revealed about a new £10m entertainment venue coming to Liverpool ONE.

Following the closure of the former Debenhams store at the Lord Street centre, the shopping complex’s co-owner Grosvenor won planning permission from Liverpool Council to develop an indoor electric go-kart circuit and leisure facilities in the upper levels last February. Announcing Gravity Activity Entertainment as the operator of the new facility, Grosvenor said in April 2022 it had hoped the leisure attraction, which could include bowling and an indoor golf centre alongside the go-kart track, would seek to open in the last three months of that year.

It is now expected the venue will open its doors to the paying public this summer. Ahead of that, Gravity has sought to secure an alcohol licence and has lodged an application with Liverpool Council.

READ MORE: Tributes to 'angel' left after teenager dies while swimming with friends

The company has applied to the local authority to operate between 7am and midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 7am to 2am Friday and Saturday. Gravity would supply alcohol from 10am to midnight four days a week, extending to 2am at weekends.

Live music would be played from 10am to midnight every day, with recorded music from 7am to midnight and 2am each Friday and Saturday. The 100,000 sq ft space will play host to a variety of attractions across two floors of the building which had been home to one of Liverpool ONE’s flagship anchor stores since its opening in 2008.

A Liverpool Council planning committee hearing last year was told “extensive marketing” had been undertaken by Grosvenor, who had been unable to find a retailer willing to take the whole unit.

In May, Marks and Spencer confirmed it would seek to occupy the lower floors of the former Debenhams building on Lord Street, relocating from its iconic Church Street location after almost 100 years. All staff will be offered the opportunity to relocate to the new store, which will feature a new foodhall, as well as clothing and home departments.

As part of the wider transformation of the Lord Street building, an application has been lodged with Liverpool Council for the creation of a rooftop terrace and performance space. The firm hopes the new attractions will bring in 700,000 visitors each year and employ 250 people.

Join the Liverpool ECHO's breaking news and top headlines WhatsApp community

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter

READ NEXT

Virgin Media customers warned to switch off their routers

Mum who 'got on with the pain' received devastating phone call at work

Phillip Schofield's 'unforgivable' admission as he issues tell all BBC statement on affair

Merseyside's best fish and chip shops - an insider's guide

M&S shoppers praise 'comfy' £45 sandals that 'go with every summer outfit'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.