Attempts are being made to progress the redevelopment of the former BHS department store in Southport.
Sefton Council say that their officers have repeatedly contacted the owners in regard to its deteriorating condition and are hoping to meet with them to find out when work will begin.
The landmark site on Chapel Street in Southport town centre was empty for six years after its sudden closure when the BHS chain collapsed into administration in 2016.
But it was bought by JSM Company Group in Liverpool in 2020, with full planning permission granted by Sefton Council earlier this year for 30 new aparthotel rooms on the first, second, third and fourth floors with three shops, a cafe and a pub on the ground floor.
The Hugo Lounge cafe has already opened on the Chapel Street / Corporation corner of the building with more new tenants due to follow.
Wroot Design Ltd Architects has unveiled its vision for the site which includes a roof terrace on top of the 19th century building.
The image shows a two-level terrace which would allow people to enjoy soaking up the sun, with the provision of a number of sun loungers, tables and chairs, comfy seating and planters.
In their application to Sefton Council, they said: “The proposed development is currently run down in areas therefore a successful application will enable the building to be restored to meet the character of the surrounding area.
“The apartments will provide accommodation for families and couples wishing to stay within a vibrant town centre with close connections to social and recreational activities, and close links.”
In July, Wroot Design Architects submitted a Construction Method Statement to Sefton Council, detailing how and when the works would be carried out.
In the application, the firm said: “Priority works such as immediate repair works to the building and removal and making good of the existing canopy should commence in September 2022 and are expected to last approximately three months.
“The construction works to create the flats are to commence early 2023 and are expected to last 12-18 months, with practical completion expected to be July 2024.”
Sefton Council has now shared its concerns over the condition of the historic building.
The local authority is due to invest £400,000 in restoring the Victorian canopy above Cambridge Arcade, next to the BHS site, with the first phase beginning in Spring 2023.
Significant repairs will be carried out to the Lord Street end of the canopy roof. This includes replacing the overhead glazing, installing a new drainage system and implementing additional pigeon control measures.Further works under the second phase of the scheme, from the Chapel Street entrance to Cambridge Arcade, is due to take place later in the year.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Regulation and Compliance, said: “While these works will ensure we preserve this beautiful Arcade for generations to come, we are unfortunately unable to directly repair the deterioration of the former British Home Stores (BHS) building due to this being privately-owned.
“Officers from Sefton Council have repeatedly contacted the owners of the building in regard to its condition and are hoping to meet with them in an attempt to progress the proposed restoration works which were granted planning permission earlier in the year.
“In any event, officers will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.”
Bernard Taylor Partnership Architects have been appointed by Sefton Council to work on the Cambridge Arcade repair scheme and have also met with Cambridge Arcade’s tenants.
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