Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

The beautiful Grade II Listed Wayfarers Arcade is enjoying its third century of welcoming shoppers as one of the highlights of their visit to Southport. 

And after a difficult few years, there are now growing signs of life with more new business moving into one of the most unique landmark buildings in the North West, as it looks forard to celebrating its 125th birthday next year. 

The centre opened its doors in the 19th Century – just – welcoming its first shoppers in October 1898. It was followed by a thriving 20th Century, and now a 21st Century where it is welcoming some quality new tenants. 

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

The arcade was designed by acclaimed architect G E Bolshaw and it took eight painstaking years to build – but it was worth every minute. 

The building has stood the test of time ever since, one of the jewels in Southport’s crown, famous for its stunning combination of wrought iron, glass and mahogany shop fronts. 

Originally the idea of John Humphrey Plummer, a Victorian entrepreneur, it was planned to join up with the Promenade, but only reached as far as West Street, due to a disagreement with the farmer who owned the next plot of land. The narrow Lord Street entrance is also original, as Mr Plummer planned to maximise his rental space rather than have a more dramatic entrance, although the iconic portico still announces the entrance on Lord Street.

Leyland Arcade, now Wayfarers Arcade, on Lord Street in Southport

Leyland Arcade, now Wayfarers Arcade, on Lord Street in Southport

It opened as the Leyland Arcade, named after the Southport MP Sir Herbert Leyland.

There used to be a bandstand in the arcade, where Victorian residents and visitors hired chairs for 1 penny to listen to the music.

Now Grade II Listed, the Wayfarers Shopping Arcade brings together the best of the stunning architecture, lovely ambiance and unique mix of boutique shops and cafes to delight tourists, visitors and shoppers in much the same way our Victorian ancestors planned. 

Two years ago the future was looking bleak. Beales department store closed its doors in March 2020, the same month as the Covid-19 pandemic swept through the UK; and the same month that the Debenhams department store, further along Lord Street, already closed. The centre lost other businesses too. 

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

To the delight of shoppers, some of its famous names have survived. The multi award-winning Master Barbers still stands proud at the front of the arcade, as does Medusa Gems, which in 2020 was recognised as one of the top four gift shops in the UK as a Finalist in The Great Gifts Retailer Awards 2020. Pudding & Pie has continued to serve delicious home cooked food, while Glitz, Ritz & Tiaras has also continued to thrive. 

Last year saw a real coup when the new Beales company opened a new department store at Wayfarers Arcade. It was the fourth store in the company’s portfolio, and its first in the North of England – a huge vote of confidence in Southport, in Lord Street and in Wayfarers Arcade. 

The grand opening last July saw hundreds of people queueing all the way along Lord Street waiting to get inside. 

Shoppers enjoy the official opening of Beales department store on Lord Street in Southport. Photo of Andrew Brown Media

Shoppers enjoy the official opening of Beales department store on Lord Street in Southport. Photo of Andrew Brown Media

Other new businesses have followed since. They include the busy Remedy at Beales, following on from Remedy on Lord Street and Remedy in Churchtown. 

Naked Peak, a stylish new shop selling organic and vegan candles and body products, moved into two units in Wayfarers at the end of last year. 

In January this year, Commercial Property Partners took over the running of the arcade, promising to attract great numbers of visitors. 

Associate Director of CP Partners, Callum Jeandin said: “With the new all-inclusive rent deals and improved incentives on offer, paired with the overall capital investment planned by the landlord over the coming years, we predict vastly improved footfall into the arcade over the coming years.”

Joanne Herbert owner of the new Enchanted Gifts and Crafts shop at Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport

Joanne Herbert owner of the new Enchanted Gifts and Crafts shop at Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport

In the past few days, two new, independent businesses have announced their decisions to move in – raising hopes that others will soon follow.

 First to join was Enchanted Gifts and Crafts which is the brainchild of local resident Joanne Herbert who has created an independent bespoke gift shop that sells individual handmade gifts including babywear and hampers. Also popular are her crystal and spiritual range and quality knitting wools. Joanne also offers crochet lessons and various craft workshops.

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Just about to open a new studio is another local resident Fine Artist David Booth, a Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors. David is hugely talented and works on sculptures, installations, ceramics, paintings, and photography. He is a distinguished artist who has exhibited nationally and internationally.

Wayfarers Arcade Centre Manager, Yvonne Burns said: “After some lean times Wayfarers is once again filling empty units because of the competitive rents and I am delighted that we also have more prospective tenants contemplating joining the arcade family.”  

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Next up for visitors to enjoy will be a very special fashion exhibition to celebrate The Queen’s 70-year Platinum Jubilee.

People will be able to enjoy the free display from 27 May until 12 June.

The arcade wowed visitors when it presented an exhibition of wedding dresses to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.  

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

The special event this summer will show garments and artefacts through the 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II along with the stories of the people who donated them, why the outfit was bought and for what occasion.

  • If you are interested in moving your business into Wayfarers Arcade please call Rob Markland on 07798 576808.

 

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com

34 Comments
  1. zoritoler imol 6 months ago

    I¦ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  2. tlover tonet 4 months ago

    Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your website is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a perfect website.

  3. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered brilliant transparent concept

  4. I am impressed with this web site, very I am a fan.

  5. Toronto Female Escorts 3 months ago

    hello there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from proper here. I did alternatively experience some technical issues the use of this site, as I experienced to reload the website lots of instances prior to I may just get it to load properly. I have been wondering if your web host is OK? Now not that I’m complaining, however slow loading instances times will sometimes impact your placement in google and can harm your high quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can glance out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..

  6. I discovered your blog website on google and test a number of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. In search of forward to reading extra from you later on!…

  7. Stephenruh 2 months ago

    Cialis 100mg
    (Moderator)
    Cialis 5 mg prezzo cialis 5 mg prezzo cialis 5 mg prezzo

  8. Stephenruh 2 months ago

    Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
    https://secure.squirtingvirgin.com/track/MzAxODgyLjUuMjguMjguMC4wLjAuMC4w

  9. ShanePal 2 months ago

    This post is worth everyone’s attention. When can I find out more?
    when does sports betting become legal in ohio

  10. DichaelThuro 2 months ago

    What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how on the topic of unpredicted emotions.
    https://tinyurl.com/SquirtCamweb

  11. LhanePal 2 months ago

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
    cloudbet casino review india

  12. TimsothyHeeby 2 months ago

    Aviator Spribe играть на рубли казино
    It is excellent idea
    Добро пожаловать в захватывающий мир авиаторов! Aviator – это увлекательная игра, которая позволит вам окунуться в атмосферу боевых действий на небе. Необычные графика и захватывающий сюжет сделают ваше путешествие по воздуху неповторимым.

    Погрузитесь в азартное приключение с автоматом Авиатор Спраб вместе с нами!
    Aviator игра позволит вам почувствовать себя настоящим пилотом. Вам предстоит совершить невероятные маневры, выполнять сложные задания и сражаться с противниками. Улучшайте свой самолет, чтобы быть готовым к любым ситуациям и становиться настоящим мастером.
    Основные особенности Aviator краш игры:
    1. Реалистичная графика и физика – благодаря передовой графике и реалистичной физике вы почувствуете себя настоящим пилотом.
    2. Разнообразные режимы игры и миссии – в Aviator краш игре вы сможете выбрать различные режимы игры, такие как гонки, симулятор полетов и захватывающие воздушные бои. Кроме того, каждая миссия будет предлагать свои собственные вызовы и задачи.
    3. Улучшение и модернизация самолетов – в игре доступны различные модели самолетов, которые можно покупать и улучшать. Вы сможете устанавливать новое оборудование, улучшать двигательность и мощность своего самолета, а также выбирать различные варианты окраски и декорации.
    Aviator краш игра – это возможность испытать себя в роли авиатора и преодолеть все сложности и опасности воздушного пространства. Почувствуйте настоящую свободу и адреналин в Aviator краш игре онлайн!
    Играйте в «Авиатор» в онлайн-казино Pin-Up
    Aviator краш игра онлайн предлагает увлекательную и захватывающую игровую атмосферу, где вы становитесь настоящим авиатором и сражаетесь с самыми опасными искусственными интеллектами.
    В этой игре вы должны показать свое мастерство и смекалку, чтобы преодолеть сложности многочисленных локаций и уровней. Вам предстоит собирать бонусы, уклоняться от препятствий и сражаться с врагами, используя свои навыки пилотирования и стрельбы.
    Каждый уровень игры Aviator краш имеет свою уникальную атмосферу и задачи. Будьте готовы к неожиданностям, так как вас ждут захватывающие повороты сюжета и сложные испытания. Найдите все пути к победе и станьте настоящим героем авиатором!
    Авиатор игра является прекрасным способом провести время и испытать настоящий адреналиновый разряд. Готовы ли вы стать лучшим авиатором? Не упустите свой шанс и начните играть в Aviator краш прямо сейчас!
    Aviator – играй, сражайся, побеждай!
    Aviator Pin Up (Авиатор Пин Ап ) – игра на деньги онлайн Казахстан
    Aviator игра предлагает увлекательное и захватывающее разнообразие врагов и уровней, которые не оставят равнодушными даже самых требовательных геймеров.
    Враги в Aviator краш игре онлайн представлены в самых разных формах и размерах. Здесь вы встретите группы из маленьких и быстрых врагов, а также огромных боссов с мощным вооружением. Разнообразие врагов позволяет игрокам использовать разные тактики и стратегии для победы.
    Кроме того, Aviator игра предлагает разнообразие уровней сложности. Выберите легкий уровень, чтобы насладиться игровым процессом, или вызовите себе настоящий вызов, выбрав экспертный уровень. Независимо от выбранного уровня сложности, вы получите максимум удовольствия от игры и окунетесь в захватывающий мир авиаторов.
    Играйте в Aviator и наслаждайтесь разнообразием врагов и уровней, которые позволят вам почувствовать себя настоящим авиатором.

  13. Livegood CBD Oil 2 months ago

    Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.

  14. OLanePal 2 months ago

    Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thanks!
    booi casino промокод

  15. ShanePal 2 months ago

    Great site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Cheers!
    gaming club online casino

  16. FobertSic 2 months ago

    Наша организация осуществляет услугу Прием Медного Кабеля Алматы с профессионализмом и вниманием к потребностям клиентов. Мы специализируемся на выкупе различных видов меди, включая медный лом, отходы, изделия и сплавы. Наш опытный персонал обеспечивает качественную оценку и честные цены за сданный материал.

  17. Scrap metal marketing strategies Ferrous waste utilization Iron disposal and recovery

    Ferrous material evaluations, Iron recovery facility, Scrap metal reclamation yard services

  18. Metal waste reclamation and recycling Ferrous material recycling advisory Iron reclamation

    Ferrous waste regeneration, Iron waste recovery, Metal reprocessing and recycling

  19. Scrap metal storage services Ferrous recovery center Iron reclaiming center

    Ferrous material compaction services, Iron waste redistribution, Scrap collection network

  20. Thank you, I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?

  21. health too wellness 1 month ago

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  22. Metal recycling recovery Ferrous material shredding equipment Iron scrap recovery facilities

    Ferrous material certification, Iron scrap reclamation plants, Scrap metal recovery depot

  23. body language 1 month ago

    Magnificent website. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!

  24. AI rewriter 1 month ago

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

  25. Ismaelbef 1 month ago

    whoah this blog is magnificent i like reading your posts. Stay up the good work! You already know, a lot of people are searching round for this information, you could help them greatly.

    https://cse.google.com.pr/url?sa=t&url=https://didvirtualnumbers.com/de/

  26. hire a hacker online 4 weeks ago

    Hi there, just was aware of your weblog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate when you continue this in future. Numerous folks will probably be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  27. kitchen lighting 4 weeks ago

    Normally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.

  28. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  29. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I love the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome blog!

  30. It¦s really a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  31. bulantogel 3 weeks ago

    wonderful publish, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t understand this. You must continue your writing. I am confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  32. Great article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  33. There are some fascinating closing dates on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

  34. Boostaro reviews 6 days ago

    It’s truly a great and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?