Proposals have been submitted to create new apartments on the upper floors of an historic building on Lord Street in Southport.
It continues the recent trend of converting vacant space in the Lord Street area to attract more families to come and live in the town centre, bringing more life and vibrancy.
Read More: Final chance to share your thoughts on £10m Southport Town Hall Gardens regeneration
N.A.M Developments Ltd has now lodged its plans for the building as it seeks prior notification for the change of use of first, second and third floors from Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) to form seven new apartments.
Two commercial units are due to be created on the ground floor.
The site was previously home to tenants including Ball & Percival estate agents / Venmore Group.
It is situated next door to United Legal Assistance, which converted and moved into the former Crown Post Office building in 2023.
In their application on behalf of N.A.M Developments Ltd, Roman Sumner said: “The proposed development comprises the change of use of the first, second and third floors of the building from its former estate agent use to form seven flats.
“All proposed flats will achieve and exceed the National Space Standards.
“The application building is located on the corner of Lord Street and Post Office Avenue, and comprises ground, first, second and third floors, plus basement areas.
“The property is situated within the Lord Street Conservation Area but is not listed.
“132 Lord Street has a longstanding history of commercial occupation. Historic records identify the premises with Venmore Management and a number of associated property management companies from at least 2008 onwards. The activities undertaken by those businesses comprised estate agency, lettings, property management and related professional services.
“Most recently, the premises were occupied by Ball & Percival as its Southport estate agency branch.
“On 7 November 2024, Ball & Percival publicly announced its intention to relocate from its longstanding premises at 132 Lord Street. In that announcement, its representative confirmed that the business had occupied the ‘iconic building on Lord Street’ for a very long time. We understand that the business remained in the building until early 2026 and subsequently consolidated its Southport and Ainsdale operations at 36–38 Station Road, Ainsdale.
“The recent (2026) marketing particulars describe 132 Lord Street as an office property extending across the ground and upper floors. They record that the property became available because of the relocation of the existing tenant.
“We confirm that no external changes are proposed or required.”
Earlier this year, Bolden Group said they were “delighted to have completed on this fantastic period building” at 132 Lord Street.
It comes at a positive time for new investment on Lord Street, with work taking place nearby on the £5 million Wetherspoon Hotel, while Sefton Council is carrying out a consultation on the £10 million revitalisation of the Town Hall Gardens.
The new Digz’n ‘Lidz cafe inside the former Debenhams site is now open, while a new restaurant is being created in the former Bistrot Pierre restaurant building on the corner of Lord Street and Nevill Street.
The Lord Street Bakery is due to open soon in the former Beer Inn in the Northern Quarter, while the Lord Street In Bloom Garden volunteers are leading the revitalisation of the Bandstand Gardens. .
New businesses which have already opened on Lord Street this year include Coffee King, VS Jewels & Workshop and Drishti Point Yoga.
Michael Mooney, Director at Bolden Group, said:
“We’re delighted to have completed on this fantastic period building on Lord Street, Southport.
“Our plans are to sympathetically convert the upper three floors into luxury apartments, while creating two high-quality commercial units on the ground floor.
“Projects like this are about more than redevelopment — they’re about preserving beautiful historic buildings while providing much-needed homes and modern commercial space for the town.
“It’s great to see Sefton Council investing millions of pounds into Southport’s regeneration, helping to attract further investment and breathe new life into the area. We’re proud to be playing our part in that transformation.
“We can’t wait to share our progress as this landmark building is brought back to life.”
Established in 2018, Bolden Group delivers high-quality new build projects and a comprehensive range of construction services across Liverpool and the North West.
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