Significant changes could be on the horizon for a well-known Liverpool retail park. The New Mersey Shopping Park, a mainstay in Speke since its establishment in 2018 as part of a multi-million pound development, houses major retailers, eateries and leisure facilities such as Cineworld, Nando's and JD Sports.
A request has been lodged with Liverpool City Council to modify previously approved planning permission concerning some of the park's buildings.
The proposals, put forward by Speke Unit Trust - the owner of the shopping park - pertain to the eastern terrace and involve a revised layout of existing and approved floorspace. The plans are designed to accommodate the needs of two current businesses - B&Q and Marks and Spencer (M&S).
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B&Q has stated that its current site on the retail park no longer aligns with its business model requirements, and the proposed changes would divide the unit it occupies to create a smaller shop site. M&S, which currently operates a separate food hall unit, is set to relocate to a larger premises comprising part of the existing B&Q unit and an extension onto part of the current B&Q garden centre.
This move will enable M&S to house its food, clothing and home offerings under one roof, reports .
Currently, M&S employs 44 individuals at its existing Foodhall outlet. The proposed store would provide employment for a total of 162 people in a combination of full-time and part-time roles.
If given the green light, the plans would involve a partial demolition of the current B&Q garden centre to make way for new pedestrian and vehicle entrances associated with M&S.
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