The new Sainsbury’s superstore in Southport can finally go ahead, creating 160 new jobs and revitalising the Meols Cop retail park.
The firm has cleared the final hurdle of a gruelling planning process which saw a series of planning decisions challenged and delayed.
The former Homebase store and the two adjoining units are now set to be completely demolished and replaced by the new Sainsbury’s superstore between this July and May 2023.
The initial permission was granted by Sefton’s planning committee in 2016, with the new store due to replace the former Homebase store and two adjacent units.
Objectors had raised concerns over the possible impact on trade on Southport town centre if the new superstore was allowed to open.
Sainsbury’s, and landlord UBS, which is responsible for construction of the site, argued that the new development will create jobs, give a much-needed boost to part of a retail park which has become empty and derelict, and will provide greater choice for shoppers.
As part of the agreement, Sainsbury’s existing Southport town centre store, on Great George’s Place just off Lord Street, must remain in place for at least the next five years.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said:
“We’re pleased that our plans for Meols Cop Retail Park will now go ahead and we look forward to opening our new store once built.”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:
“Members of the local authority’s Planning Committee resolved in 2020 to grant planning permission for the proposed Sainsbury’s store on Meols Cop Retail Park, subject to the application being referred to the Secretary of State.
“This permission remains wholly subject to the provision that from the date of any new store at Meols Cop opening, Sainsbury’s must continue to trade from their Lord Street store for a minimum of five years.
“This precaution is covered by a legal agreement as we continue to help safeguard the continued health and regeneration of Southport Town Centre.”
Stand Up For Southport has approached UBS for comment.
The investment by Sainsbury’s will support over 200 jobs during construction of the 50,300 sq ft flagship store at Meols Cop retail park.
It will create up to 200 jobs including 30 full time positions and 130 part time roles in the store and meet the shopping needs of the community.
Last year, The High Court ruled in favour of the development following a Judicial Review. But the development then faced one final challenge before it was allowed to go ahead.
All works will be managed by the developer UBS.
Sainsbury’s had hoped to carry out its store fit out in late 2021 with the store opening by Summer 2022, but this was delayed by the Judicial Review being called.
It is not yet known when the new store will now open, or when building work will begin, although the planning permission sets a time limit on when the work should start.
In 2016 Sainsbury’s was given the green light to build a larger store on the site of the former Homebase store and two adjacent empty retail units which would have created 400 new jobs.
Their revised smaller plans, which were granted by Sefton Council’s Planning Committee in August 2020 before being sent to the Secretary of State for approval, will see a smaller supermarket than originally planned, with the creation of 160 new jobs.
The new 50,300 sq ft supermarket has been designed to bring the best possible benefits to Southport and will offer a wide range of Sainsbury’s own-brand and branded food ranges, alongside its clothing and general merchandise offer.
An in-store bakery will offer customers a range of freshly baked goods.
The new store will also play an active role in the local community through its food donation, volunteering and charity programmes.
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