New Garrick owners: theatre central to plan
THE new owners of the historic former Garrick Theatre/Mecca Bingo building in Southport have been revealed – and they say that “a theatre and performance space will be at the heart of our plans”.
The magnificent art deco building on Garrick Parade, just off Lord Street, was built in 1932 and once hosted world famous stars of stage and screen including Julie Andrews, Laurel and Hardy and many others.
But it faced an uncertain future after tenants Mecca Bingo announced in April 2021 that they would be leaving the premises.
New co-owner Niki Anderson said the site has now been bought by business professionals who have “a track record of developing listed buildings”.
Niki says they are determined to restore the Garrick back to its former glory.
A full announcement on the group’s plans for the building will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The reveal of the Garrick’s new ownership comes as the building has been placed on the ‘Theatres At Risk’ list by the Theatres Trust.
Niki said: “We cannot wait to reveal our full plans for the Garrick Theatre building and we are working very closely with partners and the Theatres Trust to bring these plans to life.
“The Garrick is an iconic venue and while the building does need a lot of work, we are doing everything to ensure it’s heritage and Grade Listed Status is preserved.
“Keep your eyes peeled for further updates in the coming weeks when we’ll be revealing our huge plans for how the building will operate.
“But rest assured a theatre and performance space will be at the heart of our plans.
“The Garrick will live on for years to come.”
The landmark was sold in October last year.
The historic art deco building had been empty since Mecca Bingo announced in April last year that they would not be reopening their doors after being closed for a number of months during lockdown.
The news was met with shock and sadness by the hundreds of people who enjoyed regular bingo nights at the venue.
After the closure it faced an uncertain future and was put up for sale with independent property consultancy Allsop.
Allsop placed a guide price of between £700,00 and £750,000 on the building, and was due to place it in an auction.
But the firm said it was “inundated” with offers, with one of them accepted by the owner leading to its subsequent removal from the auction list.
In Stand Up For Southport last year, a number of local people called for it to be reopened as a theatre, while Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is rebuilt. Others called for it to become a casino, a pub, a cinema or a gym.
The former ABC Cinema across the road was converted into apartments three decades ago, and some suggested it could become a new living space.
It is further positive news for Southport, which is enjoying a boom in investment following the announcement by the Government of £38.5million funding for Southport through Town Deal.
Since then, Beales department store opened on Lord Street, Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group bought the former Grand Casino building on Lord Street and announced plans for an ambitious ‘Tower of Hope’ with an exclusive wedding and hotel venue, and Southport Market was converted into a new food, drink and events venue.
Bliss Investment Partners revealed its blueprint to transform The Waterfront site, while Wetherspoon is set to open a new Wetherspoon Hotel inside the Pavilion Building on Lord Street.
The beautiful four-storey Garrick Theatre building was made famous by artist Fortunino Matania’s iconic ‘Southport In Wintertime’ travel poster.
It was built in 1932 and designed by architect George Tonge.
The news of Mecca Bingo’s departure from the site was met with a huge response, with 300 comments in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group and over 250 on the Mecca Bingo Southport Facebook page.
The bingo hall has entertained many thousands of guests for eyes down inside one of Lord Street’s grandest buildings.