The former Mercedes-Benz car showroom in Birkdale in Southport could be replaced by a new 433 m2 convenience store, plus two new shops and a fitness studio.
The firm behind the scheme, AIM Capital Ltd, “has been in detailed dialogue with a national retailer and the proposed convenience store has been developed to meet their requirements.” This would operate as a typical small-scale convenience store format, which will meet the day to day needs of the local community.
Market interest has been shown by non-food retailers as well as national operators for sandwich shops and a retail bakery with a belief that “these formats would trade well adjacent to a convenience store”.
It would bring a vacant site back into use after the car showroom closed in April 2025.
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council by Bowman Riley on behalf of AIM Capital Ltd.
The potential operator of the new convenience store has not been named at this stage.
In May, Aldi submitted a full planning application to Sefton Council to build a new 1,881 sq m convenience store at the Sandbrook Way local centre in Ainsdale.
In recent years, Birkdale has seen the opening of a new Tesco convenience store and a new Aldi supermarket further along Liverpool Road.
In their application, Bowman Riley says: “The site accommodates an 815m2 building which has been in established use as a car sales garage with associated space for servicing. Through this scheme, the building will be sub-divided to allow 4 commercial units with the external space reconfigured for parking, servicing and associated works.
“The largest unit (433m2) will be a convenience store to be operated by a national retailer. The remaining three units will comprise two smaller retail units (each circa 90m2) and a space to be used as a studio (likely for Pilates or personal training).
“The Mercedes garage ceased trading in April 2025, following an extended period of trading difficulties and a change in strategy by Mercedes.
“The site was put on the market at that point, with no evidence of demand for another motor trade use.
“The proposed convenience store and other commercial uses provide the opportunity to deliver more employment and a broader range of goods and services for the local area.
“The local area currently relies on out-of-town stores for even basic shopping needs, and this new store can meet day-to-day shopping needs in a highly convenient location that is walkable and prominent.
“There has been extensive dialogue with end operators and this proposal reflects the express requirements of a leading national retailer which will occupy the convenience store unit as the anchor occupier.
“The proposed convenience store and other commercial uses provide the opportunity to deliver more employment and a broader range of goods and services for the local area.
“The re-use of a vacant building to support a mixed-use development is positive, particularly given the urban location on an accessible brownfield site.
“The anchor unit will be a convenience store to meet day-to-day shopping needs and other units to improve local shopping choices and a studio space will allow the promotion of healthy lifestyles and new employment – these are all matters which should be welcomed.
“We have also had regard to the relatively recent submission for a new Aldi store in an out-of-centre location south of Ainsdale Local Centre.
“The scheme provides two smaller retail units which front Liverpool Road. These are similarly sized (Unit A has gross floorspace of 90m2 and Unit B has gross floorspace of 92m2) and have the same plot depth.
“Market interest has been shown by non-food retailers as well as national operators for sandwich shops and retail bakery. These formats would trade well adjacent to a convenience store and reflective of its specific location and catchment.
“The area identified for a studio space was previously used for storage associated with the car dealership use.
“It is considered preferable to retain this building and take the opportunity to create a 105m2 studio which can accommodate a local leisure operator such as a Pilates studio or personal training.
“By virtue of unit size and its lesser visual prominence, it is more likely that this studio unit would be occupied by a local operator rather than a multiple.
“AIM Capital focuses on long-term investment, acquires properties with the intention of developing and holding them for extended periods rather than selling them quickly. This strategic approach ensures the stability and long-term investment in the community.
“The proposed design seeks to retain as much of the existing elements as possible, helping to ensure a smooth transition and minimise noticeable differences between the existing and proposed design.
“The proposed scheme is sympathetic to the existing context and surroundings.
“The scheme satisfies the local plan and contributes positively to the area, bringing a high-quality, sustainable modern residential zone to Southport.”
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