Greggs has submitted plans to bake new life into a large Southport town centre unit which has needed filling for the past decade.
The firm, famous for its Greggs sausage rolls and pasties, will open its new site at 41-49 Chapel Street.
It will be sandwiched between the New Look clothes shop and Boots the chemist.
It was previously occupied by the H&M fashion shop which closed in 2016.
H&M had served shoppers after first opening in 2010 in one section of the former Woolworths store, which had been split into three units after the chain went bankrupt.
Greggs has now submitted plans to Sefton Council’s planning department seeking advertisement consent to display one externally illuminated projecting sign and one externally illuminated fascia sign.
It’s more positive news for Chapel Street, which is seeing the ongoing transformation of the former BHS department store into new commercial units and apartments.
Greggs was founded by John Gregg in Newcastle over 80 years ago, and now has over 2,000 Greggs stores across the UK, although none in Southport – until now.
It’s famous for its sausage rolls and baked goods, sandwiches and salads.
In their application, agents JMS Planning & Development Ltd said: “I am instructed by Greggs PLC to submit an advertisement application for one fascia sign and one projecting sign at 41-19 Chapel Street in Southport PR8 1AL.
“The application site comprises the ground floor unit of a four story building, most recently occupied by H&M.
“The Planning Policy identifies the site as lying within a Primary Retail Frontage and Town Centre.
“The site has a longstanding history as Class E Use Class. While there have been a number of advertisement consent applications and minor external alterations made over the years, there is nothing within the site’s planning history which would indicate the proposed development should not be permitted. The proposed Class E bakery does not require a change of use; this application therefore simply seeks approval for advertisement consent.
“The advertisement application seeks consent for one fascia sign and one projecting sign, both on the front elevation of the unit. Both adverts will be internally illuminated. The displays will not face directly on to residential properties and the signage is therefore considered acceptable in this location.
“The proposed signage for the unit has an appropriate design, providing new fascias using Greggs’ trademark colours. The proposal is appropriate to the site and surrounding area, reflecting signage approved on nearby premises.
“Greggs’ approach to signage is to provide clear and easily identifiable signage of an appropriate scale to the shopfront and wider area. It is considered that the proposed signage is therefore in line with the character and appearance of the building and the adjoining retail units and does not detract from the existing visual amenity of the area.”
A Greggs spokesperson said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations. While we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will share any information in due course.”
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