Restaurant plan for former pumping station
THE former pumping station at Kings Gardens could soon be transformed into a stylish new restaurant.
The building, on Esplanade, Southport – opposite Morrisons supermarket – was deemed “surplus to requirements” by Sefton Council in 2014.
However plans have this week been submitted to transform the eyesore into a two-floor restaurant with nine parking spaces.
Sefton Council says any venture that takes on the building must have a “new and appropriate” purpose, due to the building’s historically sensitive location; contained within the Southport Promenade Conservation Area and also Kings Gardens, which included on the list of registered parks and garden at Grade II status.
The former pumping station, which is built in the 1950s, is a split-level building, being single storey at street level with a lower ground floor storey to the rear, with this lower ground floor opening out onto Kings Gardens.
On the lower ground floor, the restaurant would feature: Central seating area. Toilets, lift and store to the east.
Kitchen, servery, kitchen store and office to the west. Spiral staircase to the south. And on the upper ground floor: Central spiral staircase surrounded by large seating area. Lift to the east Bar to the west. There would also be a secure bicycle store.
Visiter readers have had mixed views on the proposal.
Trevor Jones said: “Good luck to them. Great to see a positive plan for the community. I for one will definitely check this out.” Laura Bushell said: “I really like the sound of this.”
Paul John Wishart said: “It’s an eyesore at the moment so anything would be an improvement.”
Terence Southwood said: “Another restaurant is now what the town needs - and it’s so out of the way. “Who will walk up there after dark?” Sharon Brisland said. “Another restaurant, really? How many more do we need?”
Chris Rimmer said: “It’ll only last a month before closing.”
The proposals will go before Sefton Council’s planning committee at a futre date.
What do you think of the plans? Email kate.lally@trinitymirror.com