By Gemma Humphray Southport Townscape Heritage Project
We’ve an update for you as new life is breathed into the historic Leo’s Bar on Nevill Street in Southport as part of the Southport Townscape Heritage project!
Thanks to the generous support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sefton Council, and the building’s owners, this iconic building is undergoing a complete transformation. Let’s take a look at the progress so far!
Kicking off the renovations
Renovations officially began in November 2024, and since then, have seen great progress. Early on, it may have seemed like things were moving slowly as the focus was on internal clearance, asbestos surveys and removal. However, once the scaffolding and hoardings were up, everything started to take shape quickly.
Off to a strong start
The initial phase of renovations focused on prepping the building for major work.
Internal strip-out and necessary repairs were a priority, especially to the roof. The team stripped the roof entirely, leaving only supporting purlins to brace load-bearing walls.
By January, a new roof was in place, using many of the original tiles to preserve the building’s historic charm, marking a huge milestone for the project. With the roof secured, the building was finally water-tight, and work could move forward with confidence.
Revealing the Victorian charm
As the work progressed, the builders uncovered a hidden gem – the original Victorian façade. The 1930s’ art deco façade was stripped back to reveal the two older Victorian brick buildings, dating back to to the mid and later 1800s. It was like opening a time capsule, offering a glimpse into Southport’s past that hasn’t been seen for almost a century.
Structural work nearing completion
There have been unforeseen structural challenges, notably with the curved bay windows, but most of the structural work is nearing completion. Timber floor repairs have been finished, and preparations are underway to install the new timber stud walls. The team has worked tirelessly to preserve the building’s character while ensuring it’s ready for modern use.
Façade restoration underway
The façade has been stripped back to reveal the Victorian brickwork, before the 1930s’ art deco exterior is reinstated. New render options are being sampled, and with the windows on their way, the façade will begin to come together.
Some repairs were needed to the decorative fins on the front elevation due to corrosion, but the skilled contractors and architects are working hard to reinstate this key feature, ensuring the building’s iconic look remains intact.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the next major milestone is the installation of new internal partition walls, which will set the stage for mechanical and electrical services throughout the building. After that, the new windows will be installed, and the final re-rendering will begin.
A heartfelt thank you
This long-awaited project wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. A huge thank you to the architects, contractors, the building owners and, of course, The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their ongoing support.
The transformation of Leo’s Bar is shaping up to be something truly special!
We’re so excited to continue sharing updates as we progress further, and we can’t wait to show you the finished product. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to follow us on social media for all the latest news from the Southport Townscape Heritage Project!
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