A building which was home to a weekly newspaper for more than 120 years is to be converted to shops and homes after plans were finally agreed to transform the building.

The site, at 26-32 Tulketh Street in Southport town centre, was occupied by the Southport Visiter from the 1890s until the title’s sudden closure in 2016.

The ground floor will now be divided and converted into three new commercial / retail units while the first and second floors will house 26 self contained flats.

Sefton Council has now granted planning permission for Wallford Ltd in Middleton to go ahead with the scheme.

The Southport Visiter office on Tulketh Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

In a report to councillors, chief planning officer Derek McKenzie said: “The building is a non-designated heritage asset however the proposed development would not cause any harm to its appearance and would result in a vacant building being brought back into use.

“The site was previously a printing works that operated from the 1890s,”

The developers said in their submission: “The goal is to achieve a design that respects the building’s history while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal

“The rejuvenation of a derelict and vandalised property brings new life and vitality to the surrounding area, particularly through the creation of new shops and job opportunities.”