Homes Above Shops

Empty closed shops are a common enough site but what people do not notice is the space above street level formerly used for storage or as an additional sales floor. The space and rooms above Lord St shops can be substantial and suitable for conversion into living accomodation and flats being much needed footfall and life to the town centre. Some of the exteriors and interiors are from the design point of view magnificent and true heritage assets. Sefton Council through its Lord St Living Project is encouraging residential occupation but it needs more money and resources behind it . Cllr. John Pugh who has backed this strategy for years has urged Sefton to beef up their efforts  and argues that financial support can be found from funds held by the Liverpool City Region for tourism and economic development. 

“What is not necessarily appreciated,” ,says John Pugh,  “ is how much Lord St itself is part of Southport's distinctive identity and attraction."  Sefton Council considered recently a proposal to use new powers to auction vacant shops owned by absentee and indifferent landlords Southport who let Lord St property . The new powers were designed by central government to enable Councils to revive their high streets. Sadly the proposal which was put forward by the Liberal Democrats was rejected by the Sefton's ruling Labour administration. You can find more about “Homes above Shops”  HERE https://vimeo.com/1055125594?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci