A new project by Sefton Council and Historic England will look to persuade landlords in Lord Street in Southport to convert space above shops into apartments. Tony McDonough reports

Sefton wants to create homes above shops in Lord Street. Picture by Andrew Brown Media

Sefton Council is teaming up with Historic England on a new project to persuade commercial landlords in Southport to create new homes for the town.

This project is targeting properties on the town’s best-known boulevard – Lord Street – where the aim is to help landlords and developers transform vacant first and second floor spaces into potential residential accommodation.

Also working with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Sefton and Historic England will look to work with landlords and property owners along the iconic boulevard to unlock its untapped potential.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways, said: “Lord Street is known for its impressive architecture and we hope that through this project it will see a rejuvenation that preserves its charm while adapting to modern needs.

“This initiative is supported by central Government and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, aiming to make a positive and lasting impact on Southport.

“By converting unused spaces above shops into high standard residential accommodations, the project seeks to improve the local economy, environment, and community wellbeing.”

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One former Lord Street resident of more than 28 years said “I think this is an incredibly positive idea.

“I was born and raised on Lord Street above the shops and my family still happily lives there. Prior to it being transformed into a residential space in the late 20th century, the area in our building was storage for a number of shops.

“In fact you could walk from one end of the block to the other in some cases. Lord Street has a wonderful residential community that not a lot of people know about and it will be brilliant to see even more potential unlocked by the Lord Street Living Project.”