A new indoor climbing centre has been approved in one area of Merseyside.
The new facility on Lord Street in Southport will bring new life to the historic Grade II Listed three-storey building which was designed by architect EW Johnson.
It will be transformed into an indoor climbing centre with a ground floor café and attic-level offices. According to the report, the development will create seven jobs in the area.
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The report said: "The proposed development is acceptable within the established Town Centre and would positively contribute to its economic function, viability and vitality. It will derive public benefits to a substantial degree in the form of bringing back into use a prominent and distinct building within Southport’s Town Centre which has been vacant for some time.
“The development would preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the Listed Building which would contribute overall to an enhanced Conservation Area.”
The climbing wall will open at 339 – 341 Lord Street in Southport.
It is the latest in a string of developments on Lord Street, earlier this year saw the ‘The Grand’ open on the site of the former Grand Casino following a £4million transformation.
A heritage statement submitted by CB Architecture said: “The proposed use would secure the long-term viability of the existing vacant unit and ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the building. This will help to maintain the attractiveness of the site contributing positively towards the borough’s local distinctiveness.
“The conversion of the vacant listed building will add to the diversity of Lord Street and prevent further deterioration of its heritage assets. The building will be restored by the Craft family.
"Since minimal alterations are required for the conversion to a climbing centre the heritage assets can be both restored and remain prominently displayed throughout the building. If the property were converted to flats, which was considered by the previous owner, the heritage assets would have been lost."
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