These are the first artist’s impressions to be released of the new VIP HQ centre that is due to open in Southport this summer.
The brand new indoor assault course, children’s play area and gym will open in the former Vintage Home shop on Weld Road in Birkdale Village.
The scheme would create 25 new full-time jobs and would also include a restaurant and bar area.
These images of what the new development would look like have been created by Southport firm Clayton Architecture.
The VIP HQ team began work in April, and are looking to open their new venture this July.
They said: “We are overwhelmed with the support from the village so far!
“Bring on July. We cannot stress how good this place is going to be – catering for babies to the elderly, we want this to be the community hub for the beautiful Birkdale Village.
“We want this to be the hub of Birkdale Village – a place for you to come and relax, a place for families to create memories, somewhere for you to get fit and healthy, a meeting point for your social gatherings, a place for your kids to let off some steam and so much more!
“If you want to pop your head in for a chat feel free we would love to meet you! Thank you for your ongoing support!”
A full planning application by applicant Mark Craven has been submitted to Sefton Council.
Opening hours would be 10am to 11pm each day of the week except Saturday, which would be 10am to midnight.
In the application to Sefton Council, Clayton Architecture said: “The proposal seeks to support urban regeneration, promote economic growth by encouraging tourism and creating jobs in the local area and helping protect and enhance the Conservation Area by way of renovating and creating a long term viable use.
“The proposal also encourages a healthy lifestyle and brings a currently vacant building into use while still maintaining its character and aesthetic.”
The building was built between 1845 and 1892 according to Sefton Council’s SPD for the Birkdale Village Conservation Area, and the applicant hopes to improve the local area by bringing this historic site back into use.
They said: “The spaces within the proposal will be designed with the impact of noise in mind. The open times vary depending on function so the gym and children’s play area will close earlier which will reduce the amount of people within the building in an evening which will reduce the noise levels.
“The bar and restaurant will remain open later; however these have been located towards the train line to increase the distance from residential properties, reducing the amount of noise that reaches them.
“No extensions have been proposed to the building to ensure it retains its character. Internal alterations and the addition of benches and planters have all been designed to ensure they are in keeping with the aesthetic of the local conservation area.
“The use of the building is still to be mixed which retains the characteristics of the commercial buildings within the conservation area.”
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