A brand new 24 hour gym could soon open at M Park Central 12 retail park in Southport, creating 30 new jobs.
The 534 sq m facility would open in the former Poundworld shop at Unit 6 in the park, adjacent to Next.
Earlier this month, Central 12 announced a new initiative of two hours free parking for customers, having taken over the operation of the car park from Sefton Council.
Work is currently underway to create a new McDonald’s outlet at Central 12, which is due to open this summer.
Read More: New McDonald’s in Southport opening date revealed as restaurant seeks job applications
A planning application for the new 24/7 gym has been submitted by London and Cambridge Properties Limited to Sefton Council.
It does not state who the gym operator will be.
In the submission, D2 Planning Limited said: “Unit 6 is a purpose built modern retail unit which has been occupied by Poundworld but is now vacant. The unit lies in a block of 7 similar units immediately adjacent to Next and Boots.
“Despite continual marketing, no retail users have expressed any interest in the premises.
“The potential use of the unit to provide for an operator that will generate footfall and potential linked trips elsewhere will add to the vitality and viability of Southport Town Centre.
“The applicant would like to apply for 24/7 opening hours to enable flexibility in marketing the premises.
“They believe that given the distance from residential property, that this would not cause detrimental impact on residents particularly given the other uses within the retail park.
“The proposals would provide a range of benefits which include:-
- Reuse of a vacant unit.
- Creation of up to 30 full and part time jobs.
- Further investment in the Central 12 Retail Park.
- Increase the vitality and viability of the Town Centre.
“There is policy support both at national and local level, to ensure town centres such as Southport continue to develop as the preferred locations for retail and leisure main town centre uses.
“The proposals will see a vacant unit located within the Town Centre brought back into active use, helping to enhance the long term viability and viability of the centre.
“The site is located in a highly sustainable location for access by non car modes and there is parking available immediately outside the unit. Given the existing setting of the site, it is highly unlikely to have any negative impacts on residential amenity and the proposals would not result in a significant adverse effect on health and wellbeing rather the opposite, it will have a positive effect.”
Visitors to the 600-space Southport’s M Park Central 12 have been able to enjoy two hour free parking since Monday 8th April 2024.
Extended stays are accommodated through payment methods including card transactions, mobile payments, or via an app.
This initiative is part of a series of enhancements introduced by the new owners, LCP, part of M Core, which has assumed management of the car park from Sefton Council.
The previous pay and display system has been replaced, ensuring easier access for visitors.
M Park Central 12 boasts a diverse range of stores including Poundland, Mountain Warehouse, Boots, Next, B&M, Costa, Asda, and the Range, with the recent addition of Cassia, contributing to the variety available to the local community.
Plans are also underway to create a new McDonald’s restaurant and takeaway.
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