Plans to open a new Next store in Southport have taken a closer after planning permission was granted by Sefton Council.
The new store will open in the former Currys unit at 2A Meols Cop Retail Park.
It is part of the recent rejuvenation of the park, 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 Hobbycraft and PureGym.
Next has been approached for comment on what the new store will offer and when the opening date is expected to be.
Next closed its shop on Lord Street in Southport town centre on 28th January 2023, but still operates a shop at Central 12 retail park on Derby Road in Southport.
Savills, which runs Meols Cop retail park, sought planning consent from Sefton Council to alter the appearance of the 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 site lies within the Meols Cop Retail Park.
“Given that the proposal would not change the use of the units and would be for alterations to the existing unit it is considered that the proposal is acceptable in principle.
“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.”
Meols Cop Retail Park comprises 10 retail warehouse units.
Unit 2A is currently vacant having most recently been temporarily occupied by Currys.
To the north, the adjacent Unit 2B/ 2C is now occupied by Home Bargains, with Halfords (Unit 1B) and Bensons for Beds (Unit 1A).
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.”
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