Two dads are preparing to open a new café with a unique concept in a historic Southport building. Friends Danny Melia and Mark Gaudie are working hard to launch their venture together in part of the ground floor of the former Debenhams department store in the Northern Quarter of Lord Street.
Historic Building Gets New Lease of Life
The former Debenhams building, which was originally built in 1888 and a key element of Southport's retail success, closed in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. The property was bought by new owners in 2021 for £799,000. Posters previously appeared in the window of the once iconic store advertising the premises would be suitable for anyone wanting to open a shop, a café, or a bar, with units available between 2,000 square feet and 10,000 square feet.
Screen-Free Fun for All Ages
Danny and Mark wanted to create a place "for all ages to come together, put phones down, have a chat, make new friends and enjoy some screen-free fun". The café has been named Digz’n Lidz and describes itself as an remote controlled (RC) experience venue. The centrepiece is a large sand-filled enclosure where all ages can operate a range of RC diggers, trucks and other miniature construction machines alongside classic café staples.
Danny and Mark said: "Some buildings deserve more than just a new tenant. They deserve a new chapter. When we first walked into this beautiful old building, we didn’t just see an empty unit. We saw generations of Southport memories. We know how much this building means to Southport. That’s why we’re committed to honouring its past while creating something new for the next generation. Digz’n Lidz isn’t here to replace the building’s history. We’re here to continue it." Work is underway with the opening date expected soon.
Positive Times for Lord Street
Digz’n Lidz arrives at a positive time for new investment on Lord Street, with work taking place nearby to create a new restaurant in the former Bistrot Pierre building on the corner of Lord Street and Nevill Street. The Lord Street Bakery is due to open soon in the former Beer Inn in the Northern Quarter, while the Lord Street In Bloom Garden volunteers are leading the revitalisation of the Bandstand Gardens. New businesses which have already opened on Lord Street this year include Coffee King, VS Jewels & Workshop and Drishti Point Yoga.
