The former Homebase store in Blowick in Southport is nearly demolished as work continues to create a substantial new Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The development is taking place at Meols Cop retail park, with the former Homebase and two adjacent units being pulled down so that the new superstore can be built.
The new venture is due to create 160 new jobs and will include a new petrol filling station.
It has been a long drawn out saga with the first planning application for a new Sainsbury’s being submitted to Sefton Council in October 2014.
The derelict Homebase building has been empty since it closed in 2017.
As part of the works, Sefton Council has authorised the closure of the footpath which runs next to Fine Janes Brook and links Meols Cop Road with Foul Lane, from now until May 2023.
Local residents have heard the noise from the piles being driven into the ground for the new building, with scores of comments on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group.
Kate Bush posted: “Anyone know what the constant thumping noise is in Churchtown? It’s driving me mad, thought it was the neighbour having a new roof, but my partner can hear it when he is out gardening around the area as well.”
Kim Shaw said: “It’s the builders at the new Sainsburys… I can hear it most of the day in High Park, been like that for a few weeks.”
Gary O’Neil said: “Pile driving at Sainsburys noisy but necessary…”
A planning condition has been made by Sefton Council that Sainsbury’s must keep its existing store on Great George’s Place, just off Lord Street, open for at least five years after the new superstore opens at Meols Cop.
In a report to councillors, Head of Highways and Public Protection Peter Moore said: “Planning permission has been granted by Sefton Council for the redevelopment of part of the Meols Cop Retail Park, Southport.
“The retail park currently has a number of vacant units within the northern section of the site, one being the former Homebase business which spans the width of the site between Meols Cop Road and Foul Lane.
“As part of the proposed improvements the former Homebase unit is to be completely demolished and replaced by a new Sainsbury’s superstore.
“It is anticipated that the works will be undertaken between the 28th July 2022 and 31st May 2023.”
Sainsbury’s, and landlord UBS, which is responsible for construction of the site, believe that the superstore will create jobs, give a much-needed boost to part of a retail park which has become empty and derelict, and will provide greater choice for shoppers.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We look forward to opening our new store once built.”
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