Two weeks ago, when the Government began putting restrictions on movement and business in place, Beales on Lord Street in Southport was undergoing a massive clearance sale.
The landmark three-storey department store with one foot on Lord Street and the other in Wayfarers Arcade was initially due to close at the end of March.
But administrators instead decided to bring forward closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic and instead shut the doors ten days ago, on March 19.
When local residents eventually emerge from our collective lockdown, we may all be surprised to see the building completely empty, with all furniture, fittings, goods and staff all gone.
It is not yet known what the future holds for this magnificent Victorian building. But the imposing building right at the heart of Lord Street is sure to be of huge interest to developers.
Beales was the last in a series of department stores to occupy the building over the past 139 years, with the firm following in the footsteps of the likes of Broadbents & Boothroyds.
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Sandgrounder Radio MD Andrew Hilbert, whose radio station is based in Wayfarers Arcade opposite Beales, has seen the changes first hand.
He said: “It’s a real shame to see something that has been part of the fabric of Southport for so long, suddenly not being there.
“Our studios have looked out onto Beales for well over a year and it’s sad to see it empty.
“However you must still visit Wayfarers Arcade, it has to be one if Southport’s most amazing and most beautiful buildings, with the proper wow factor.”
Beales in Southport. Photo by Andrew Hilbert
Beales in Southport was one of the chain’s 21 stores to shut their doors for the final time this month.
KPMG’s Will Wright and Steve Absolom said the impact of Covid-19 on the retail environment meant trading could no longer be supported.
Will Wright, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said: “Whilst it is regrettable that we have had to take this decision, especially given the fantastic support that the staff have provided to the business and the administrators since our appointment, the impact of these unprecedented circumstances has left us with no alternative option.”
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