Digz’n Lidz to open unique RC experience café inside Southport’s former Debenhams

Published July 23, 2026
Last Updated July 23, 2026
By Editor - Elliot Thompson

A brand-new family attraction is preparing to open inside Southport’s former Debenhams building, bringing a unique remote-controlled construction experience to Lord Street.

Digz’n Lidz is currently being created on part of the ground floor of the former department store by friends Danny Melia and Mark Gaudie, who are transforming the long-vacant space into an interactive café unlike anything else in the town.

The venue will combine a traditional café with a hands-on RC experience, centred around a large sand-filled construction zone where visitors can operate remote-controlled diggers, dump trucks and other miniature construction vehicles.

Designed for children and adults alike, Digz’n Lidz aims to offer a screen-free activity where families and friends can spend time together while enjoying food and drink.

New life for Southport’s former Debenhams building

The former Debenhams building has been one of Southport’s most recognisable landmarks for well over a century. Originally built in 1888, it played a significant role in the town’s retail history before closing in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The building was later purchased by new owners in 2021 for £799,000 and has since been the focus of regeneration plans.

Rather than simply occupying the historic property, the founders of Digz’n Lidz say they wanted to create an attraction that respects the building’s heritage while giving it a fresh purpose for future generations.

Work is currently underway inside the venue, with an opening date expected to be announced soon.

Part of wider investment across Lord Street

The arrival of Digz’n Lidz comes amid a wave of investment across Southport’s Lord Street and Northern Quarter.

Nearby, work is progressing on a new restaurant inside the former Bistrot Pierre building at the corner of Lord Street and Nevill Street, while The Lord Street Bakery is preparing to open in the former Beer Inn.

The area is also benefiting from improvements led by the Lord Street In Bloom Garden volunteers, who are continuing the revitalisation of the Bandstand Gardens.