A stunning roof terrace will be created at the summit of a landmark building in Southport town centre.
This eye-catching image shows how the top of the former BHS department store at 17-23 Chapel Street could look as the historic site undergoes a substantial transformation.
JSM Company Group in Liverpool is leading the scheme, which will see 30 new aparthotel rooms on the first, second, third and fourth floors with three shops, a cafe and a pub on the ground floor.
Wroot Design Ltd Architects has unveiled its vision for the site which includes a roof terrace on top of the 19th century building.
The image shows a two-level terrace which would allow people to enjoy soaking up the sun, with the provision of a number of sun loungers, tables and chairs, comfy seating and planters.
In their application to Sefton Council, they said: “Alterations to the roof will be made to allow for a roof terrace for access to outdoor space for the residences.
“The proposed development is currently run down in areas therefore a successful application will enable the building to be restored to meet the character of the surrounding area.
“The roof extension will be done to match existing materials so as to not look out of place or diminish the character of the local area.
“The main aim of the design concept was to achieve a series of appealing residential spaces without altering the building’s exterior a great deal.
“A total of 30 x 2 bed apartments will occupy the upper floors of the site.
“The level of development seeks to ensure that the project is economically viable for the client despite complicated social and economic restraints and policies implemented in the area.
“The apartments will provide accommodation for families and couples wishing to stay within a vibrant town centre with close connections to social and recreational activities, and close links. “To achieve long term sustainability for the development and in turn the area, the planning application seeks to reflect a mixed community of varying age groups. Accordingly the development includes a property type that can respond to the continued evolution of the area.”
The plans have seen the council receive a submission from local resident Peter Lloyd.
He said: “Bringing people back to live in the town centre will improve the community life of the town. This is the kind of project which the council should be promoting, not just supporting.”
Sefton Council has now granted planning permission for the ground floor elements of the scheme.
The landmark building has been largely empty and often vandalised since BHS went into administration in April 2016, to the point where it has been identified by Sefton Council’s Conservation Team as being “Heritage at Risk”.
The green light has now been given for the conversion of the ground floor of the site into five separate ground floor units. These would comprise three retail units facing Chapel Street, a restaurant / cafe and a pub.
The restaurant / cafe unit has already been occupied by Hugo Lounge, which opened in October. World Travel Lounge is due to open soon in one of the new retail units.
A separate planning application to convert the first, second, third and fourth floors from retail to 30 self-contained flats under the Prestige Stay brand is yet to be determined.
The building is recognised by Sefton Council as being a Non-Designated Heritage Asset (NDHA).
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