The new Tesco Express store opens in Southport town centre this Friday (1st April), adding another new business to Chapel Street and creating more new jobs.
The news has sparked huge debate among members of Stand Up For Southport, with scores of comments on social media – many welcoming the new addition, with some keen to see the Roman clothes shop it replaced open in a new location in town.
The shop, at the entrance to Southport Railway Station, will open at 8am.
Chapel Street has enjoyed a real resurgence in recent months.
Earlier this month, Sefton Council approved plans for 30 new apartments in the upper floors of the former BHS department store. The local authority is also due to spend £400,000 improving Cambridge Arcade. Last year saw the opening of new businesses including The Fragrance Shop, One Below and Huge Lounge.
Local people have given their support to the new store opening.
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Neil Crawford said: “Good. While there may be two already in the town area, they aren’t conveniently located to pop into on your way to the railway station. In fact I can’t think of any convenience store close to the station apart from the MtoGo that is also the station ticket office, and that’s poorly stocked and can have long queues if lots of people are buying tickets or making travel enquiries.”
Denial Leyland said: “So glad there will be a shop like this so handy for popping on and off the train for snacks and bits. Me and my kids live in Atherton, they always need snacks and fresh drinks in the warmer weather.
“They are both autistic and Southport is their safe place.”
Michael Brookfield said: “It’s fabulous that Tesco is going by the station.”
Deborah Elaine Pye said: “I would imagine it would be very handy for not only train users but people with mobility issues as a lot of people may live near a bus or train route to town they may not live near a route that takes them to a supermarket. So to be able to get your shopping on Chapel street and visit a supermarket as well has got to be a bonus.
“Me and my mum also shopped in Roman and one of the store assistants told us they were told they would be reopening elsewhere in Southport so let’s hope that’s true.”
Lynn Macfaddin said: “Roman was a brilliant ladies shop but that’s gone now, sad.”
There seems to be lots of support on social media for Roman to open a new clothes store elsewhere in Southport town centre.
Another new supermarket that could soon open is the new Sainsbury’s at Meols Cop retail park in Kew, which has been held up by a number of appeals since it first submitted its planning application back in 2016.
Heather Jones said: “Another Tesco but struggling to get our second Sainsburys opened at Kew. There’s opposition but I’d rather see a thriving retail park employing people than the empty eyesore it is.”
The new Tesco express, at 50-52 Chapel Street in Southport will generally be open between 6am and 11pm each day.
The nearest Roman stores are now either 8 miles away in Preston or 18 miles away in Blackpool.
Southport town centre is currently enjoying millions of pounds in new investment.
The new look Southport Market opened in July following a £1.4million transformation; the new Beales department store opened on Lord Street in August; and a £1million redevelopment of the former Tasker Sports / Christ Church School building on Corporation is underway to create a new Techedia HQ with the creation of 75 new jobs.
German Doner Kebab has been granted planning permission to open inside the former McDonald’s store on the corner of Eastbank Street and King Street.
The firm has pledged to make a £500,000 investment, creating 30 new jobs.
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