The owners of the new Digz’n Lidz RC experience cafe in the historic former Debenhams building in Southport say they’re determined to “honouring its past while creating something new for the next generation”.
Friends Danny Melia and Mark Gaudie are working hard at the moment to open their exciting new venture in part of the ground floor of the former department store in the Northern Quarter of Lord Street.
They are two fathers of young children who wanted to create a place for all ages to come together, put phones down, have a chat, make new friends and enjoy some screen-free fun.
Debenhams department store closed in March 2020 and one of Southport town centre’s grandest buildings has remained empty – until now.
Local artist Keith Pollitt has created a stunning Digz’n Lidz mural on the wall inside, while work continues to create the new cafe.
The centrepiece will be a huge sand-filled enclosure where children, families and people of all ages can operate a range of remote controlled diggers, trucks and other miniature construction machines while enjoying delicious coffee and locally-made cake.
It’s all about bringing a brand new experience to Southport, with Danny and Mark having been impressed by seeing another venture in the Lake District.
The Lord Street frontage of the impressive glass-fronted former Debenhams building was constructed in 1888 – 1900 whilst the part of the site facing Stanley Street was built earlier but within the Victorian period.
The building has high historical value as a commercial building and symbolic significance with regards to the development of the town. Danny and Mark said: “Some buildings deserve more than just a new tenant. They deserve a new chapter.
“When we first walked into this beautiful old building on Lord Street, we didn’t just see an empty unit. We saw generations of Southport memories.
“For decades, families walked through these doors when it was Bobby’s, Marshall & Snelgrove and later Debenhams. It was where people shopped for Christmas, bought their first school uniforms, chose wedding gifts and made memories that still live on today.
“We know how much this building means to Southport.
“That’s why, as the new custodians of part of this historic landmark, we’re committed to honouring its past while creating something new for the next generation.
“Digz’n Lidz isn’t here to replace the building’s history. We’re here to continue it.
“Instead of shopping bags, you’ll now hear children laughing. Instead of department store displays, you’ll find remote-controlled construction vehicles, fresh coffee, and families spending quality time together.
“Lord Street has always been about bringing people together.
“We’re proud to play a small part in its next chapter and hope that, years from now, today’s children will look back on Digz’n Lidz with the same fondness their parents and grandparents remember this building.
“Here’s to preserving the past, embracing the future, and keeping Lord Street full of life for generations to come.”
The new Digz’n Lidz venture is arriving at a positive time for new investment on Lord Street, with work taking place nearby to create a new restaurant in the former Bistrot Pierre building on the corner of Lord Street and Nevill Street.
The Lord Street Bakery is due to open soon in the former Beer Inn in the Northern Quarter, while the Lord Street In Bloom Garden volunteers are leading the revitalisation of the Bandstand Gardens.
New businesses which have already opened on Lord Street this year include Coffee King, VS Jewels & Workshop and Drishti Point Yoga.
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