Bar and restaurant plan revealed for ex Debenhams building

22nd September 2022

The grade II-listed ex Debenhams department store building in Southport is yet again the subject of major redevelopment plans.

The plans include a bar, restaurant and aparthotel complex

It is envisaged these will have a use likely to be bar/restaurant or retail uses. The interior of the former department store is proposed to be used as a series of small retail / office / craft spaces.

Rear buildings fronting Stanley Street will be converted to an aparthotel, which will extend to the floors above to enable all space to be fully occupied to ensure the long-term future of the building. 

It is estimated a total of 20 apartments would be in the hotel with the possibility of two additional loft style units in the roof space subject to further investigation. 

Residential apartments could be located on the Lord Street frontage overlooking the boulevard at all upper floor levels.

The landmark is located in the Lord Street Conservation Area in central Southport and the property has remained vacant since being vacated by Debenhams in 2020.

The department store occupied five buildings running from Lord Street in the east to Stanley Street in the west developed at various stages.

RAL Chartered Architects has been appointed by the owners of the property to devise a scheme to re-invigorate the property for appropriate town centre uses. They will ensure its long term retention as a key feature of the Lord Street Conservation Area.