Lord Street Living started as an idea to bring more people into the town centre permanently by increasing the housing provision. We wanted owners with vacant space above their shops to come forward and talk to us about converting this space into residential units. More occupants in the town centre means higher year-round footfall and economic improvements for local businesses who benefit from residents not just tourists.
Despite a difficult financial climate, we offered no money only free Conservation advice and owners could benefit from free discussions with a Senior Planning Officer thanks to the Southport Planning Support which, in some cases, means free planning pre-app submissions. This offer helps owners to develop the best schemes using the advice they get, prior to submitting fully developed proposals, saving them time and money.
Encouraging people to act without financial support as an incentive can be a big ask, yet through promoting properties through Lord Street Living we have helped several owners bring forward development schemes, connected owners looking to sell with investors looking to buy and even had our first agreed sale!
As we move into 2026 we have lots going on; MLEC will be proceeding, the pier is closer to being renovated, the last few properties are finishing under the Southport Townscape Heritage Project including Leo's Bar on Nevill Street, and the Town Hall gardens regeneration. Supporting this work we continue to address the Heritage at Risk status of both Lord Street and Promenade conservation areas by targeting the condition of some verandahs and addressing properties having a negative effect on the town. We also intend to develop Lord Street Living project and seek funding opportunities to support the work we're doing. So watch this space!
As always we seek your feedback about how we can improve and regenerate Southport and encourage people to get in touch. In the meantime, may we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday period and a fruitful and joyful 2026.