Stand Up For Southport Blog by Andrew Brown
The final date has been given for the closure of the Beales department store on Lord Street in Southport.
Everything must go in a huge sale taking place from now until 7th September 2024.
There are some excellent local concessions inside, and I hope they all secure some new locations in town very soon, if they haven’t already.
It was a bold move by the owners to open Beales in the former Broadbent’s and Boothroyd’s store, as the first Beales in the north of England.
There were huge queues all along Lord Street as they opened as hopes were high for them. They have given their all and I am sorry to see them go but admire their ambition for bringing a department store back to Southport.
Shoppers enjoy the official opening of Beales department store on Lord Street in Southport. Photo of Andrew Brown Media
The closure is not a reflection of Lord Street as a whole.
We have seen millions of pounds invested here in recent years, with much more to come.
This year alone we have seen The Grand Southport continue to develop with the opening of the Sky Bar and Harry’s Bar – a superb sun terrace.
We have seen The Garrick winning planning permission to become the UK’s first theatre space hotel.
The Bold Hotel Southport has reopened after an impressive refurbishment earlier this year.
Sky Bar at The Grand Southport
Wetherspoon has confirmed plans to open a new hotel in the Pavilion Buildings.
Saltrock has opened an excellent new clothing store.
Volare has been packed after expanding.
Nina’s Cigars has opened inside Wayfarers Arcade while The Engine Room continues to develop units along the upper floors of the arcade.
Work continues to take place to transform the former Debenhams building and to create a new climbing centre and cafe in the Albany Buildings.
The Occulo Lounge is now enjoying its second year after its £1m conversion.
Dr Eric Lybeck (left) at The Engine Room at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport with David Booth and Carran Waterfield. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Rebecca’s Jewellers has just invested in a substantial refurbishment.
The Korean Kitchen and SEP Insurance have joined Casablanca and Sapori in the Bold Steeet area.
There is more coming too – watch this space.
There is lots more opening than closing.
If you love your fashion, we have some excellent local independents with the like of Reputation Menswear, Coco Boutique, Man To Man, Lapel Menswear and others.
Soon, the Beales building will close its doors.
What will the building be next? What would you like to see it become?
Beales department store in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
It’s a prime site right in the centre of town with endless possibilities, coming at a time when building work is taking place at the nearby £73m Marine Lake Events Centre, and at the Southport Enterprise Arcade.
It has massive potential for the right investor.
In the meantime, thank you to Beales, grab your final bargains while they’re available, and thank you to the owners for giving it a good go
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