A retrospective planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council for the change of use of a former Post Office and retail unit into the existing Ginger’s bar.
The bar at 597-599 Lord Street Southport, part of the town’s vibrant Northern Quarter, has been trading successfully since it opened its doors in November 2024.
Part of the site (599 Lord Street) was previously the home of the Lord Street North Post Office, until its closure in 2021.
It was then combined with the unit next door to form a Bargain Booze and Thoroughgood outlet until 2022 but was vacant until it was converted by Ginger’s.
RAL Chartered Architects has submitted an application to Sefton Council asking for the change of use from retail to a bar to be confirmed.
The property is located in the Lord Street Conservation Area but is not listed.It has recently been identified as a non-designated heritage asset
In their submission, RAL Chartered Architects said: “The works proposed with this application are minimal with no structural intervention and use the space as converted for the convenience store. There are cosmetic alterations internally with painted / papered plaster walls.
“ With regard to the key external appearance fronting Lord Street there are no changes planned to the shopfront. The recessed entrance door will be located in the centre of no. 599 with fixed glazed panels to both sides, which is no change to the previous retail unit.
“The former ATM which was located in the right hand window of 599 has been removed in the past and the glazing reinstated.
“Internally the main intervention is the installation of wc’s to the rear centre of the unit,
“The use as a bar is consistent with the local plan for town centre uses. A bar is established next door in units 589 – 595 Lord Street (Sinclair’s) and new premises have opened opposite (The Grand) alongside Punch Tarrmeys and a Sports Bar.
“The bar was established in November 2022 and has a licence for the sale of alcohol, live music and recorded music. Licence to sell alcohol – 09.00 – 23.45 Monday to Sunday Licence for live music – 09.00 – 23.00 Monday to Sunday Licence for recorded music – 09.00 – 00.00 Monday to Sunday Opening hours of premises – 09.00 – 00.00 Monday to Sunday
“We understand the owners of the bedrooms, that are part of the hotel at Sinclair’s, are in support of this proposal and the applicants have not received complaints since the bar has been trading.”
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