The opening date has been revealed for the next Next store in Southport.
The shop will open on the site of the former Currys unit at 2A Meols Cop Retail Park on Wednesday 25th March 2026.
It will replace the current Next store currently operating at Central 12 retail park near Southport town centre, which will close its doors on Sunday 15th March 2026.
Next has not yet released any details about the new store, what it will offer or how many jobs will be created, with the Next press office contacted for information.
The opening of the new Next store is part of the recent rejuvenation of Meols Cop retail park in Southport, which in recent months has seen the expansion of Home Bargains; the opening of a huge new Sainsbury’s and Argos superstore; and the arrival of other new tenants such as Mountain Warehouse and PureGym.
Next closed its shop on Lord Street in Southport town centre on 28th January 2023 with the firm opting for a move from the high street and into retail parks.
Savills, which runs Meols Cop retail park, was granted planning consent from Sefton Council to alter the appearance of the new Next unit, introducing more glazing to the shopfront and giving the building a more modern appearance.
In their report, Sefton Council’s Planning team said: “The proposal would see the removal of a central signage zone and the replacement of the existing shop front with a large glazed area.
“Given that this would be to the central unit within the building, it is considered that the change would not have any significant harm on the character and appearance of the area given that the units to either side of the application site would retain the signage area and glazed area to the front.”
The current Next store at Central 12 retail park is now available for new tenants through Harvey Spack Field: The Retail Specialist.
The unit offers a 10,087 sq ft retail unit plus 9,340 sq ft of mezzanine space.
Meols Cop Retail Park comprises 10 retail warehouse units.
In their application Savills said: “The application is made to suit the trading requirements of a prospective tenant, Next.
“The proposed development seeks to significantly improve and enhance the appearance of the units by updating the design of the elevations and utilising modern, high quality materials.
“The proposal does not change the principal function or the appearance of the retail park.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
