People all saying same thing about Sports Direct's move into former M&S building
One ECHO reader said the proposed move would be "a stain on the building and its history"
News Reporter22:20, 24 Jan 2024Updated 22:39, 24 Jan 2024
Sports Direct's decision to open a new store on Church Street is "not the best choice for the wonderful building" ECHO readers have said.
Readers have criticised the sports retailer's plan to open a new flagship store in the former Marks & Spencer building on Church Street calling it a "massive downgrade to the area". M&S left Compton House in August 2023 to move into Liverpool ONE's former Debenhams store.
The high street chain had been based at the Grade-II listed building on Church Street for more than 90 years. Frasers Group, which also owns House of Fraser, Jack Wills and many other retail brands, announced today it had purchased the building and intends to open a huge Sports Direct store within it. It also hopes to open a new gym in the site, though that is subject to approval.
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James France, Frasers Group head of acquisitions, said: "We are pleased to confirm that we have acquired Compton House located on Liverpool’s renowned Church Street. We are big believers in physical retail and this acquisition marks an exciting time for the group as we continue to expand our store portfolio across the UK and Europe.
"As the UK’s leading destination for sportswear, we are looking forward to bringing Liverpool customers a next-generation sports retail experience with the opening of a 70,000 sq. ft Sports Direct flagship store featuring the world’s biggest sports brands. Subject to approval, Everlast Gyms will also open a 23,000 sq. ft hybrid gym in the space."
What do you think about the plans? Let us know in the comments below or email news@liverpool.com
Despite the retailer's excitement, people on Merseyside are disappointed at the use of the famous old building. One reader said: "Liverpool is finished, city centre is a mess and that's just dragging it down. Should be revamped into a hotel and at the same time knock down all the cheap prefab buildings in town."
Another person said: "Wow, the city is officially finished. Who has decided that? Who wants a Sports Direct there? Old stock sports clothes. There should be a major brand going into there like a Selfridges. Us the people don't get a say on anything."
A third person added: "That is a massive downgrade to the area. Just the change in the store front signs will look cheaper than the green M&S logos." A fourth wrote: "A stain on the building and its history."
Writing on Facebook, Debbie Stokes said: "Church Street is on the decline. I remember when London Road was vibrant and alive. Church Street is vastly becoming the next London Road."
Sports Direct currently has a store in Liverpool ONE. It is not yet clear what will happen to that L1 store once the sportswear brand opens on Church Street.
Compton House was built in 1867 to replace a building which was destroyed in fire two years before. It was one of the first purpose-built department stores in Europe. The building was converted and renamed the Compton Hotel in 1871. It operated as a hotel until 1927 and M&S took over the site the following year.
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