Melissa Wayland and Laura Malthouse are investing £500,000 to open a new veterinary practice in a former bank in Merseyside, creating 14 jobs. Tony McDonough reports

A former HSBC bank in Maghull has been transformed into a new veterinary practice in a £500,000 investment.

Practice manager Melissa Wayland and her business partner, vet Laura Malthouse, have signed a 15-year lease with Evolve Estates on unit 44 and flat 44a at the 1,110 sq ft building in Central Square.

Employing 14 full-time and part-time staff, Noah’s Ark has opened this week and offers the latest equipment to diagnose animals accurately and rapidly. Melissa said: “Our fit-out has taken three months to complete as we have completely ripped it out and built a state-of-the-art vet practice.

“Maghull has such a great community feel and because we wanted to emulate the old school feel of a community, independent vet practice, Central Square is the ideal location. We can hardly wait to welcome people and their pets to the surgery.”

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Central Square comprises 40 retail units and tenants include Costa Coffee, Hays Travel, Boots and Home Bargains. There is also a car park for more than 180 vehicles, plus an EV charger for electric vehicles.

Phil Murphy, asset manager of Evolve Estates, added: “Central Square is the focal point for Maghull, with a range of independent stores and high street brands that attracts thousands of shoppers every week. It’s great to welcome a new service at the parade, adding to the tenant mix.”

Noah’s Ark will be open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.