PROJECT UPDATE: Former Chorley Blockbuster is making way for a vet surgery and pet grooming parlour

The former Blockbuster shop at Chorley Retai Park (Photos: Neil Cross).

What is the project?

In May plans were submitted to Chorley Council to transform the now-defunct Blockbuster entertainments store on the Chorley Retail Park into a new space for a future vets surgery.

Do we have any details of the development yet?

It has been vacant since Blockbuster closed in December 2013.

Yes – applicant Mr R Halliday is looking to change the single unit into two separate retail opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Halliday, Aaron Marrs of planning agents Strutt & Parker says that one unit is set to be used as a veterinary surgery, including a pet grooming parlous and additional room to sell pet food.

Mr Marrs adds that the decision to split the significant size of the former Blockbusters unit, which is some 3,500 square feet, is because it “does not appeal to the current market”.

He added that “the proposed split of the existing unit will enable two retail units which are more marketable in size” with each unit roughly 1,700 square foot.

The inside of the unit as it currently looks.

What stage are we at now?

Chorley Council approved the application on Thursday, meaning that the applicant now has three years from that date to begin on the new development before a second planning application would be needed to secure the project.

What happened to Chorley’s Blockbuster?

In early 2013 the Chorley and Leyland Blockbuster stores remained open despite the company going into administration, threatening all 528 stores.

But by December of the same year the company announced that it was closing down its remaining 91 stores after failing to find a buyer.