Dawsons music chain www.dawsons.co.uk , 65 Sankey St, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA1 1SU

Plans have been submitted for a major conversion of the former Dawson’s Music store in Sankey Street, Warrington. The proposals are to convert the building into four apartments, offices and two smaller retail shops. Dawson’s closed the store in 2019 after trading in Warrington for 121-years. At the time, it was claimed the store was a victim of online shopping.It has stood empty ever since. Developers say the proposal will make little difference to the exterior appearance of the three-storey building. Dawson’s was founded in 1898 by piano tuner John Dawson and has had a major presence from its Sankey Street HQ, since 1914. During the 1970s and 1980s it was the “go to” store for youngsters buying their first records in Warrington. But later it changed to concentrate on the sale of musical instruments and running a music school.