Craft ale bar plan for butcher’s site
A NEW craft ale bar could soon open in a former shop Southport town centre.
The new venue would open at 17 Wesley Street, in the site of the former Graham Eyes butchers.
A total of six new jobs would be created, with one full time and five part-time.
The new bar would be open between 3pm and 9pm Monday to Friday, 2pm to 10pm each Saturday and 2pm to 9pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
A planning application for the scheme has been submitted by Mr M Gabriel from Formby.
It is a further boost for Wesley Street, which in recent months has seen a number of new ventures opening, including the Southport Veterans Hub, Heimat Coffee and FYHair.
The design and access statement for the new craft ale bar has been prepared by The Keith Davidson Partnership Ltd on behalf of the client.
They said: “The site comprises a two-storey terraced property with a ground floor retail unit on Wesley Street, Southport.
“The site sits within a row of retail units with varying uses that include a barbers, a café and cake and gift shops.
“All retail units are predominantly on the ground floor.
“The existing property is two storeys.
“No extension or external works are to be carried out so there will be no change in the overall scale.
“Works will be internal and cosmetic with the removal of the existing first floor which will provide a more open space within the property itself.
“The applicants are aware of the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act and the council’s own requirements for providing full access for all members of the community.
“A DDA compliant WC is to be provided along with the inclusion of the following provisions: level thresholds to all door openings, doors to have an effective clear opening of 1,000mm corridor to accommodate full wheelchair access where possible.”
The agents believe that the proposals for the new building will have a number of benefits.
They said: “It is considered that the presence of an occupied and active property in this location will increase the level of natural surveillance in the immediate area which will be to the benefit of crime reduction and increasing the amenity of surrounding areas.
“The design and proposed layout will provide a safe enclosed development with a high degree of natural surveillance and supervision.
“The property itself will be suitably alarmed and will have security measures built into the fabric during its detailed design and construction.
“The details of such measures will be discussed at the appropriate stage with the local police liaison officer to ensure their recommendations are fully considered and duly acted upon.
“In summary we consider the proposed changes will provide a good and active bar for Wesley Street and is purposely-built for this area.”