Sports Direct to take over former M&S site in Liverpool

Big-spending Frasers Group has confirmed it has acquired Compton House, a key retail destination on Liverpool’s Church Street, from M&S for an undisclosed sum.

M&S vacated the Grade II-listed five-storey Compton House last August, ahead of relocating to its new flagship site within the Liverpool One mall.

Sports Direct’s main Liverpool store is currently situated in Liverpool One.

James France, Frasers Group Head of Acquisitions, confirmed the Church Street purchase to BdailyNews: “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.

He said the new Sports Direct store will offer 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”.

Meanwhile, Everlast Gyms also aims to open a 23,000 sq ft hybrid gym within the space, he added.

The report said news of “a new lease of life for Compton House” was welcomed by Jennina O’Neill, chair of Liverpool BID’s Retail and Leisure Board.

She said: “We knew that Compton House wouldn’t stay empty for long and Sports Direct will bring a great deal of footfall to Church Street and will add to that mixed retail experience in the heart of the city centre.”

She added: “We’re also looking forward to seeing how [Frasers Group] plans will impact the streets alongside Compton House and onto Williamson Square as the right development can be transformative for the city centre.”