The historic former Southport Visiter office is set for a new chapter after plans were finally agreed to transform the building.
The site, at 26-32 Tulketh Street in Southport town centre, will now be converted into 26 self contained flats on the first and second floors.
The ground floor, adjacent to the Sports Direct complex, will be divided and converted into three new commercial / retail units.
The building was occupied by the Southport Visiter newspaper and website, part of Reach plc, from the 1890s until its sudden closure in 2016.
It had been in the site for over a century with dozens of journalists, photographers, printers, advertising executives and others working there at its height.
Southport Visiter staff celebrate the launch of the new free newspaper called Grapevine, which was later renamed the Midweek Visiter. Date unknown. Photo by Graham Bridge
The building was also a temporary home to Southport Library for four years, while work on The Atkinson was taking place, following a successful campaign by former Coronation Street star and librarian Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden).
Sefton Council has now granted planning permission for Wallford Ltd in Middleton to go ahead.
In a report to councillors, Sefton Council Chief Planning Officer Derek MCKenzie said: “The building is a non-designated heritage asset however the proposed development would not cause any harm to its appearance and would result in a vacant building being brought back into use.
“The proposed development accords with the national prescribed space standards and adequate natural light would be provided in all habitable rooms.
Southport Visiter staff with copies of the newspaper next to the printing press at the Southport Visiter office on Tulketh Street in Southport
“The building is within the designated town centre and is readily accessible by non-car modes of transport. The plans submitted show spaces for car and cycle parking.
“The site was previously a printing works that operated from the 1890s,”
No objections to the scheme were received from neighbouring residents or businesses.
Wallford Ltd in Middleton submitted a planning application to Sefton Council, prepared by Gold Sketch Studios LTD.
Southport Visiter staff inside the office on Tulketh Street in Southport
In their submission, they said: “The proposal at 26-32 Tulketh Street will be in keeping with the local area and have a minimal visual impact on the heritage asset and the surrounding area.
“Consideration is given to the historical value of the building and its architectural features.
“The goal is to achieve a design that respects the building’s history while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The former Southport Visiter office at 26-32 Tulketh Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“The rejuvenation of a derelict and vandalised property brings new life and vitality to the surrounding area, particularly through the creation of new shops and job opportunities.
“The transformation of the property from a neglected state to a thriving commercial space contributes to the overall improvement of the neighbourhood.”
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