A new 24-hour Asda could be coming to Southport.
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council to turn the BP petrol station at 3A Scarisbrick New Road, Southport into an all-new 24-hour Asda convenience store.
The shop would be the first Asda of its kind to open in the town and would be located not far from the existing Asda superstore on Central 12.
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The application is the second to be put forward for the site in recent years, with a drive-thru Starbucks initially approved in 2017 but work was never started.
Asbri Planning Ltd has now applied for the site to be transformed into a 24-hour convenience store to be run by Asda.
In a report submitted as part of the planning process, it said: "The application seeks full planning permission for the demolition and decommissioning of an existing PFS (petrol filling station) and linked convenience store and erection of a replacement convenience store and associated works at BP PFS, 3A Scarisbrick New Road, Southport.
"It is the intention for the convenience store to be occupied and operated by Asda.
"It is noted that there are other convenience goods retailers near the site. These comprise Lidl and Asda supermarkets, there is also a smaller convenience store, McColls off Portland Street. The proposed development therefore provides potential for linked trips with existing operators in addition to providing a “walk to” top-up facility for those living in the vicinity of the site."
The planning application comes as it has been noticed that the petrol station is underperforming according to a report submitted. It said: "The existing PFS is underperforming. EG Group, a market leader in the provision of fuel sale throughout the UK are seeking an alternative use in order to avoid the prospect of a long-term vacancy at the site.
"The decommissioning of petrol filling stations is a time consuming and cost hungry process. There are few prospective uses which would enable a viable redevelopment to be undertaken and a positive use brought forward at such sites.
"The use of the land as a convenience store would represent such a use and will result in a continuation of retail uses at the site, enable job retention/creation and an increased level of choice and value for customers who will overwhelmingly be drawn from the immediate locality."
The report also reveals that the company is looking to increase the size of the store by more than three times what it is now: "The existing convenience store on site amounts to 93m². It is proposed to increase this to 350m² to provide a local store that is fit for purpose as a top-up function rather than act as a comprehensive convenience store."
The company that is in charge of the plans, EG Group, whose owners also own Asda, has an expansive portfolio of franchise stores and fast-food restaurants. In the report, it says: "Alongside an innovative approach to roadside retail property, EGGroup has forged high-profile relationships with nationally and globally recognised retail and convenience brands, now operating in excess of 142 Starbucks drive-to and drive-thru restaurants, 161 KFC restaurants, 12 Burger Kings, 153 Subway sub-stations, 4 Sbarro, 2 Cinnabon and 200 Greggs bakeries.
"EG Group is the largest franchisee for Subway in Europe and has also recently completed the purchase of Leon – a largely plant/vegan based fast food restaurant."
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