Home Bargains has confirmed the closure of one of its Liverpool stores as part of a redevelopment plan to create student accommodation. The discount retailer, which operates across Merseyside and beyond, shut its Audley Street location on Friday, June 12.
Closure Amid 50th Anniversary
The closure comes as Home Bargains celebrates its 50th anniversary. During this milestone, the company has also rebranded its Bold Street site back to its original name. The Audley Street store, along with a former Salvation Army building and the Darts Vaults pub, will be transformed into student bedrooms.
Developer Caro Development stated that a full update on the project will be provided next week. A spokesperson said: “The shop is to be closed to allow the construction of 242 student beds, plus a replacement Home Bargains to open when the development is complete in time for the 2028 academic year. Work will commence in the next few weeks, and local residents can rest assured that Home Bargains remains committed to the London Road and Fabric District neighbourhoods.”
Development Plans
Plans submitted by TJ Morris, the company that owns Home Bargains, were initially lodged with Liverpool Council in 2023. The development will comprise a block of up to seven storeys, including student lodgings, retail, and commercial space. The aim is to create a modern, high-quality development that fits well with the surrounding area while giving the site its own identity.
The project will redevelop a brownfield site that is currently underused, despite its proximity to the London Road District Centre and Liverpool city centre. Planning documents noted that the site was not being used to its full potential.
Facilities and Accommodation
Under the plans, the ground floor will include student facilities such as a gym, meeting rooms, a lobby, and communal spaces. There will also be office space for staff, parcel storage, toilets, and 70 bicycle parking spaces. The upper floors will provide student accommodation, including a mix of studio apartments and shared flats with six to nine bedrooms. In total, there will be 214 en-suite student rooms, of which 36 will be self-contained studio rooms with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities.
The first floor will feature additional amenities, including a cinema room, study area, and rooftop terrace. The existing front walls of the Salvation Army building will be preserved as part of the development. The ground-floor commercial unit is expected to be occupied by the existing Home Bargains store, although it could also be used for other retail or commercial purposes.
The Liverpool Echo will provide further updates on the development next week.
