Plans for the former Debenhams store on Lord Street in Southport could transform the town centre.
The massive unit is set to undergo a massive transformation, with proposals being submitted which would see the once-busy department store turned into a number of separate units, one of which will be a bar and restaurant, with the units being used for office spaces and craft spaces.
The former department store would also see the introduction of an apart-hotel on the Stanley Street side of the building, with 20 apartments being built, with the potential of a further two loft space apartments.
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If the proposals are approved, the building would also see 10 new residential apartments overlooking Lord Street. In the design report written and illustrated by RAL Architects, it said: "The proposal is a comprehensive one to enable the building to be fully utilised to ensure its long-term retention and to return it to its former splendour.
"Key features of the building are proposed to be retained. Uses proposed are:
- Retail Bar/Restaurant/Café
- Apart hotel
- Residential
"The development is likely to be phased with phase one being to divide the ground floor Lord Street frontage into the 4 units described above. Advice on the best application process to allow this work to be undertaken in advance would be appreciated as part of the pre-application response."
The Grade II listed building in the town centre has been vacant since Debenhams shut the shop just before the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020. Since the closure, the building has left a gaping hole on Lord Street, with people waiting almost three years for it to be filled again.
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