Stand Up For Southport Transformation with
SOUTHPORT has lots to look forward to in 2022! Here are some more of the many new developments you will be able to see changing the Southport skyline this year – with some very exciting new additions.
12. Garrick Theatre / Mecca Bingo
What does the future hold for the beautiful former Garrick Theatre / Mecca Bingo building in Southport? We would love to know! This site, which has huge potential, was sold in October last year.
The historic art deco building had been empty since Mecca Bingo announced in April 2021 that it would not be reopening its doors after being closed for a number of months during lockdown.
The magnificent art deco building on Garrick Parade, just off the Lord Street boulevard, was built in 1932 and once hosted world famous stars of stage and screen including Julie Andrews, Laurel and Hardy and many others.
After the closure of Mecca Bingo in April 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 in November. 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.
It is not yet known who the new owner is, or what their plans are for the site.
In Stand Up For Southport earlier this year, a number of local people called for it to be reopened as a theatre, while Southport Theatre & Convention Centre is rebuilt. Others called for it to become a casino; a pub; a cinema; or a gym.
13. German Doner Kebab
German Doner Kebab will convert the former McDonald’s / Co-Operative building on the corner of Eastbank Street and King Street with a half a million pounds budget, creating 30 new jobs.
The substantial investment follows last year’s £1.4m conversion of Southport Market into a bustling new food, drink and events venue, proving to be the catalyst for the fast-growing Southport Market Quarter.
14. The Coronation
Another landmark property in Southport Market Quarter is The Coronation pub on King Street, which had been empty since early on in the Covid pandemic until being sold late last year.
It is not yet known what the new owner’s plans are for this substantial threestorey pub site.
Planning permission has previously been granted to retain a bar / leisure unit and create a new self-contained retail unit and for the first and second floors to be converted into 10 self-contained apartments.
The existing premises provides a large dining area with 70 covers, pool room and lounge.
The upper floor currently comprises the owner’s accommodation with four bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, dining room, office and stores.
15. 509-515 Lord Street
A really important development for Southport for so many reasons.
The landmark site at 509-515 Lord Street, on the corner with Bold Street, is the first major project being supported by the Southport Townscape Heritage Project.
The scheme will improve the historic features on one of the key buildings there as well as creating two new retail units and nine new apartments in a continued trend of attracting more people to live in the town centre.
As well as revitalising one of the most historic buildings on Lord Street – previously a vacant eyesore – it is also one of the ‘gateway’ buildings at the bottom of Bold Street, which will lead directly to the new entrance of the brand new £70m Marine Lake Events Centre.
On the opposite corner of the junction, new owners have now taken over the former Casa Italia restaurant. Sapori Italian Restaurant has just opened next door to that.
16. Kings Gardens restaurant
Planning permission had previously been granted to convert the premises into a restaurant
A new restaurant promises to have the most beautiful views in Southport when it opens! A private developer is due to transform the former Pumping Station into an eating establishment.
Situated on the outer border of the Grade II Listed Kings Gardens, Sefton Council and its agents began a process of marketing the building for redevelopment last year.
The availability of the site was promoted through Stand Up For Southport and considerable interest was shown.
17. Hesketh Park
People have revealed the changes they want to see to improve historic Hesketh Park in Southport in a “once in a generation” opportunity.
The transformation is being made possible thanks to a “substantial sum of money” which has been donated in the will of a local resident.
Improvements to heritage features including the conservatory, waterfall, floral clock, fountain and observatory all scored highly in a recent consultation by Sefton Council.
Other highly rated items included improvements to the sensory garden and improved public toilets and disabled access.
Residents also suggested more live events in the park including the idea of an outdoor theatre, improved planting across the park and wildflower meadows.
The Victorian 12 hectare park was designed by Edward Kemp, and was first opened in 1868.
The land was donated by the Rev Charles
Hesketh and has many Victorian features and landscape designs.
18. Starbucks, Ocean Plaza
A brand new drive through coffee shop could open at Ocean Plaza, next to Southport Pier.
The firm has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council with an external seating area.
19. Scarisbrick Avenue
A £1m plan to revamp Southport nightlife hub Scarisbrick Avenue has been unveiled by Sefton Council.
A package of works worth nearly £1m are proposed including new, high quality paving, enhanced street lighting, improved pedestrian crossings, environmental additions and rejuvenated signage and CCTV.
The works are intended to be completed in time for the 2022 summer season.
The route is home to some superb independent local businesses including Avenue, Spender’s bar, Chop House, the Dolphin Chippy, Hideaway, Concept Food Bar and others, in addition to the side of The Scarisbrick Hotel.
Spender’s owners Paul and Chantelle Drewery said: “We’re excited and it will make a huge difference to this very important part of the town!”
It is hoped the scheme will greatly improve the popular walkway, which connects the heart of Southport town centre with the Promenade and seafront.
The top end of Scarisbrick Avenue is home to the famous four-storey
Red Rum mural, painted by local artist Paul Curtis, a highlight of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations.
20. Cambridge Arcade
Nearly £400,000 will be spent to improve the canopy at historic Cambridge Walks and Cambridge Arcade in Southport.
It is part of nearly £2million which Sefton Council is spending on improving a number of buildings in the borough which require ‘immediate intervention’.
The funding will be used to deliver a range of ‘Priority 1’ schemes, those in greatest need or where works link in with other ongoing schemes.
Cambridge Walks and Cambridge Arcade were constructed in the 1870s and are a key link between Chapel Street and Lord