The iconic former McDonald’s building in Southport town centre has been sold.
The five-storey art deco landmark was due to be auctioned last Thursday (2nd November) by acuitus.co.uk in an online auction with a guide price of £500,000.
But an entrepreneur made an offer before the auction took place and a sale was agreed.
It is not yet known what the plans are for the site.
But the purchase of one of the major buildings in Southport town centre, which has been vacant since the surprise closure of McDonald’s over nine years ago, is great news for the town and a further sign of renewed investor confidence.
Southport was awarded £38.5 million in Town Deal funding by the Government in March 2021, which is supporting major redevelopment projects such as the construction of the new Marine Lake Events Centre, which is being led by Sefton Council.
Further private investment is coming into the town through projects such as the ongoing transformation of The Grand by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, the renovation of The Garrick and the planned creation of Cove Resort Southport.
The former McDonald’s building, which was previously home to the Co-Operative, is part of the growing Southport Market Quarter, area which has benefited from the £1.4 million transformation of the nearby Southport Market into an award-winning food, drink and events venue two years ago.
Work to construct the new Southport Enterprise Arcade opposite the former McDonald’s building is due to begin early next year.
On its website, Acutius said: “The property is prominently situated on the west side of Eastbank Street, Southport’s main retail thoroughfare, at its junction with King Street and opposite the pedestrianised Chapel Street. Southport Railway Station is approximately 200 metres to the east. Neighbouring occupiers include Superdrug, KFC, Tesco, Iceland, Boots, Marks and Spencer, Primark and Sports Direct.”
Poundland moved out of part of the ground floor of the building earlier this year, and has since opened a new store in the former Wilko unit in the Southport Train Station concourse.
Acuitus describes the site as “a substantial five storey building which comprises two retail units with substantial upper parts, approximately 2,461.70 sq m (26,497 sq ft)”.
The firm adds that it has “potential for residential redevelopment (subject to consents)”.
The popular McDonald’s outlet, which opened in the 1980s, closed in October 2014 and has remained empty ever since.
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