Completion date revealed for former BHS department store development in Southport

Building work to transform the upper floors of the former BHS building in Southport will begin in September this year with the ambitious scheme due to be completed by July 2024. 

The first, second and third floors of the historic site on Chapel Street will be converted into 30 apart hotel rooms, while a new roof terrace will be created on the top floor. 

Priority works, including immediate repair works to the building and repairs to the canopy, are due to begin this September. 

Work on the new apartments will begin early in 2023. 

Planning permission has already been granted by Sefton Council to convert the ground floor into the Huge Lounge cafe, which has already opened, in addition to a new pub and three retail units 

The 19th century building has deteriorated in recent years, suffering from neglect and vandalism, to the point of being put on the ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register by Sefton Council. 

The new development is due to have a rejuvenating impact on the Chapel Street area. 

An artist’s impression of the proposed roof terrace in the Prestige Stay development in the former BHS site at 17-23 Chapel Street in Southport town centre by WD Architects

The grand 53,339 sq ft building four-storey has sat empty and has been repeatedly vandalised over many years, since the sudden closure of BHS in April 2016. Progress on the site will give a huge boost to Southport town centre. 

In a planning statement to Sefton Council, WD Architects said: “The project entails the construction of 30 self-contained flats within the existing building, 17-23 Chapel Street.

“The units are to be built using traditional methods. 

“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. 

“The site will be set up sufficiently for the duration of the project. All works are to be done internally of the existing building and therefore no disruption to the street should happen.”

Care will be taken to maintain the building’s rich heritage. 

WD Architects said: “As the building is a non-designated heritage asset this will be taken into account when undertaking any construction works. 

“All works to the building should be to enhance the character and appearance of the building and the immediate Conservation Area. 

“A full record of all historical features and features of importance will be undertaken before any work commences.

The former BHS store on Chapel Street in Southport

“There will be a careful removal of the existing awning as part of the planning conditions. Once the awning is removed, works to restore the existing facades will be carried out. 

“Making good of existing elevations following removal of the awning will include; paintwork, fixing any architectural detail, windows and any window surrounds that may have been disturbed by the awning. Works to the existing building will be carried out to prevent any further damage caused from being unoccupied for long periods of time.”

Work on the site will take place Monday to Friday 8am-5.30pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays – no working hours permitted.

Given the restrictive nature of the site, the main entrance will be via the ground floor entrance of Corporation Street for all visitors, contractors and deliveries. 

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