SOUTHPORT PLEASURELAND
ONE of the UK’s premier attractions has hugely ambitious plans to transform the site and attract a million extra visitors a year to our town.
Owner Norman Wallis is working with an IP investor to create an exciting new look to the park with a number of new attractions due to be announced soon.
Work is already taking place on an exciting new Viking themed attraction that will be “nothing like anywhere in the UK”.
The firm has won approval for a brand new Viking themed 18-hole adventure golf attraction with an associated ‘longhouse’ themed pub / eatery and parking.
Visitors will be able to enjoy an outdoor barbecue area in a circular format with a ‘Firepit’ in the centre of the building with terraced seating around a feature fire.
The proposal will create a brand new small-scale visitor experience immediately adjacent to Pleasureland and owned and managed by them.
GIANT OBSERVATION WHEEL
PLANS for a landmark 35 metre illuminated observation wheel next to Southport’s Marine Lake are set to bring more visitors to our seaside resort.
The wheel, which will be the highest accessible vantage-point near the seafront, will offer long-ranging, wide-vista views to passengers in its series of fully accessible six-person glass pods.
Its LED lighting can be tailored to offer spectacular, eye-catching displays which will be reflected in the lake’s waters after dark.
The giant wheel, which will also offer opportunities for special VIP experiences and be available for private hire and corporate events, has been built to order by leisure and attractions expert Norman Wallis, who envisages the structure as a landmark for our town.
The huge structure will be delivered this summer and is set to transform the skyline of Southport with spectacular panoramic views.
The announcement about the town’s new statement structure is part of plans to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Southport Pleasureland’s miniature railway – the world’s oldest constantly running 15-inch gauge railway. Further plans around the miniature railway celebrations will be unveiled soon.
LORD STREET
Beales reopening
BEALES is getting ready to reopen its department store on Lord Street in Southport! The premises, at the front of historic Wayfarers Arcade, closed in March last year as the Covid pandemic hit the UK and the first lockdown came in.
The site had been a department store for 139 years, home to businesses including Broadbents and Boothroyds.
It is understood that Beales has been in the process of contacting former members of staff about returning to the new store when it opens.
And signs have now appeared in the window, saying: “Beales Department Store – Your New Store Is Coming Soon.”
509-515 Lord Street
AN historic Grade II building on Lord Street could be given new life by being transformed into new shops on the ground floor while creating apartments in the floors above.
It is the latest example of a growing trend of revitalising vacant upper floors in the Lord Street Conservation Area.
Ironshore Global Limited has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council to convert 509-515 Lord Street in Southport into retail units at ground level and nine selfcontained apartments (three per floor) in the storeys above, with access from the far end of the Bold Street. Atelier MB Global Architects will design the scheme.
Bringing more people to live and work in and around Lord Street was one of the ambitions of the Southport Town Deal as a key method of revitalising Southport town centre.
The Carlton
A NUMBER of new businesses have opened on Lord Street during the pandemic.
They include The Carlton, which was a firm favourite among people in the 80s, 90s and noughties.
Renowned bar owner Carl White, who also owns the successful Avenue and Chop House bars on Scarisbrick Avenue, was delighted to open his third venture in Southport town centre in July.
Brazilian street artist Liam Bononi has created stunning street art on the walls inside to celebrate the bar’s new Motown, funk and soul theme.
Carl remains committed to supporting live music in Southport with his new venture.
The Carlton has this year unveiled its brand new beer garden area, serving food throughout the day.
Dental Arts
A BRAND new Denture Clinic and Dental Laboratory has opened in Southport town centre.
Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street has opened at the southern end of the famous shopping boulevard, next door to the Cleveland Cafe and near Morrisons supermarket and The Ribble Buildings.
It is managed by GDC registered Clinical Dental Technicians and aims to assist clients with all their denture needs.
Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street provides services including new aesthetic dentures, in addition to dental repairs and relines.
The firm also provides custommade gum shields for people playing sports including: rugby, hockey, boxing and martial arts.
Grill Hunters
A NEW international grill restaurant opened on Lord Street in Southport in August.
Grill Hunters offers fabulous charcoal meats and more, with diners able to either eat in or enjoy a welcoming drink.
Customers can also enjoy a takeaway option from the counter offering hot and cold European foods.
They have completely reformed the old Pound Bakery premises at 199201 Lord Street with their own substantial investment.
Owner Emily Zanfir said: “We are a bar and grill restaurant with traditional Romanian dishes as well.
“What we have different from other grill houses is the flavour on our menu. We are very happy with the feedback that we have received.”
Royale’s
PLANS for a new Royale’s wine bar and outdoor seating area on Lord Street have been approved by Sefton Council.
The new development will take place in the unit previously occupied by Mojo’s Barbers, which relocated to Cambridge Road, Churchtown earlier this year. Applicant Mr Ashram says his new business will create eight new jobs, four of them full time and four part-time.
The wine bar would be open between 9am and midnight each day except for Sundays and Bank Holidays, when it would open between 10am and 10.30pm each day.
In his report, Sefton Council chief planning officer Derek McKenzie said: “There are several restaurants and takeaways within the vicinity of the proposed wine bar and outside seating area would not be out of keeping with the character of Lord Street.
“It would also bring into use a vacant building and help to attract people to this end of Lord Street which traditionally has been difficult to attract the shopping public.”
OTHER NEW TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES
Anelli Hotel & Amici Bar
A STYLISH new hotel and bar has opened at 1-3 Avondale Road in Southport town centre, perfectly positioned between the resort’s historic Lord Street and the Promenade.