Wetherspoons, the popular pub chain, could be opening a new venue in Speke, Liverpool. The proposed location is the former TGI Fridays at the New Mersey Retail Park, which closed in October 2024.
Former TGI Fridays Site
The TGI Fridays restaurant, situated between Wagamama and Popeyes, was one of 35 branches that shut nationwide after the company entered administration. While 51 restaurants were saved, including the Liverpool ONE branch, the Speke site has remained vacant. Now, the owners of the retail park, Speke Unit Trust, have submitted plans to Liverpool City Council to transform the space into a Wetherspoons pub.
Planning Details
According to documents from Burnett Planning, the agent for the application, JD Wetherspoon PLC will operate the venue as a public house with expanded food provision. If approved, an outdoor seating area will also be installed. The proposed opening hours are from 8am to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 8am to 1am Friday and Saturday. This would be the first pub in the retail park.
Burnett Planning argues that the change of use will not raise different amenity considerations compared to the previous restaurant, and is therefore appropriate. The firm also addressed potential concerns about anti-social behaviour, stating that existing food and drink outlets have not led to crime issues, and security measures will be in place.
Public Consultation
The application is currently in the consultation stage. Residents can comment by registering on the council's planning portal and searching for reference 26F/1555. Meanwhile, other changes are underway at the retail park, including the conversion of the former Pizza Hut into a Wingstop, which opened its first city centre branch in April 2025.
