Glamping among site revamp plans
SIX major sites in Southport could be redeveloped under plans unveiled in the Southport Development Framework.
It could see a 17-storey block of flats and shops built on The Kingsway site, a new budget hotel on The Promenade, a multi-storey car park on Tulketh Street, a new cinema or restaurant on Lord Street, and glamping facilities around the Marine Lake.
One of the opportunities identified in the framework is the possibility of developing these six key sites.
Here’s what the report says about them:
1. Tulketh Street and surface car parks
The long term plan is a “high quality car park” that “would enable a positive first impression for visitors to Southport”.
The report admits “the current car park is very dated”.
Tulketh Street is important for parking and adjoins a key gateway into Southport. However by road this site underperforms due to lack of visibility from Eastbank Street.
The area would benefit from a comprehensive approach being taken in regards to its future. However, there is no apparent demand from major occupiers that would anchor a comprehensive redevelopment.
The former Waitrose supermarket with the upper multi-storey car park has now been bought by Sports Direct.
But longer term, a high quality parking facility could help support the destination appeal of Southport and possibly reduce people circulating Southport looking for spaces.
Quality and accessible parking close to the town centre could help aspirations for rethinking Lord Street and how traffic flows through the town.
This area is viewed as having long term potential, which would include a mix of uses, better environment around the station and an enhanced gateway role.
2. Kingsway Car Park and B&M Store, Kingsway
The two sites are in different ownership and there is no apparent interest with the landowners to marry the two sites.
Owners of the Kingsway Car Park site have considered its redevelopment for commercial units at ground floor with a number of upper floors for apartments that would provide a new landmark development.
B&M Bargains has a lease with the freehold owner of the site. It is understood that B&M Bargains would be willing to assign the lease to a third party to facilitate a retail led scheme.
However it’s recognised that any re-development on B&M Bargains leaving the site and revoking the existing covenant if a new supermarket is to be promoted.
3. Promenade Car Park
Along with the car park, there is also scope to include the adjoining derelict property (13 Promenade) within any future redevelopment.
Proposals for new hotels and residential are considered acceptable in principle.
The site has the potential for a budget hotel, aparthotel or as an apartment scheme that could provide approximately 80 units over four storeys.
New residential facilities suitable for young people and families will provide additional footfall to the rest of Southport.
Redevelopment would involve the loss of town centre parking spaces and it may be necessary to realise the impact this may have on town centre provision.
The redevelopment potential is dependent on the current owner deciding to either bring forward a scheme or to dispose of the site for development.
4. Former Grand Casino
The former Grand Casino has been vacant for some time and is now suffering as a consequence.
It is in need of repair and securing suitable re-use is important.
The building would lend itself to alternative commercial uses, such as health and fitness, cinema, bar / restaurant, managed work or studio space or community uses.
Investment in its refurbishment by the owner to bring it up to a decent standard may help to attract market interest from potential occupants. The costs of converting the building would be costly.
5. Victoria Baths
Victoria Baths on Southport’s Promenade is Grade II listed and was built in 1870.
Part of the building is used by Victoria Leisure whilst the rest – past uses include the former Manhattans / Palm Court nightclubs – remains vacant.
The structure should be promoted for uses that can safeguard the future of this important historic building.
Leisure entertainment uses such as a new hotel or a restaurant would be acceptable.
6. Land north of the Marine Lake edge
This privately owned site around the lake edge has the potential, according to the framework, for alternative family friendly visitor accommodation in the form of cabins, lodges and camping pods or ‘glamping’ which could potentially be delivered as a component of the wider ambition for the beachfront and have less of a development impact.