Maghull’s £6m plan for Central Square approved

SEFTON Council has granted approval to Maghull Group to overhaul the Central Square shopping centre in Maghull.

The application, which was brought by group company Maghull Investments (Maghull Town Centre) Ltd, will see Central Square being completely overhauled. Nine existing units will be redevelopment to create 26,400 sq ft of retail space and a further 70 car parking spaces will be added.

The £6m package of works ans includes public realm improvement works to the fabric of the centre and is the first of a phased series of developments. The second phase will take place in 12 months’ time when current leases expire and will involve the redevelopment of all existing retail units.

It also plans to introduce a pay-and-display car parking system where shoppers are charged after a two-hour period in a bid to deter people from hogging spaces.

Maghull Group bought the Central Square shopping centre from Mars Pension Fund for £21.25m in 2007.

Michael Hanlon, chief executive of the Maghull Group said: “Central Square’s previous owners had not invested in the fabric of the town centre for more than 20 years, so there’s a very clear need to upgrade the centre and improve the facilities for both the tenants and their customers. 

“We intend to revitalise Central Square by providing new larger retail units which will satisfy the needs of national retailers who wish to be represented in Maghull. 

“We will also work closely with those independent retailers such as Callaghan’s butchers, who provide a first class local offer, to ensure they can continue to trade in the square for the next 20 years.

“At present, the shortage of car parking is affecting trade, with the majority of spaces being occupied throughout the day by staff rather than shoppers.

“By introducing a car park management system and providing separate parking for staff, we’ll be able to give shoppers much easier access to the centre and expect to generate an increase in footfall and trade.”