Talks are under way with new operators for the former Sands pub in Ainsdale in Southport which could become a new hotel.
The pub pulled its last pints and closed its doors 11 years ago, in 2015, and has been on the market since 2022.
It is in a prime spot, on the busy coastal road, and next to Ainsdale Beach.
Today (Thursday 8th January 2026) Sefton Council’s Cabinet will discuss the future of the Ainsdale Gateway site, which includes positive news for the vacant pub.
A new operator has made an offer to buy the site which has been accepted and is now progressing to terms.
The site enjoys an extensive car park.
A Sefton Council report says: “The marketing of the Former Sands Public House generated a fair level of interest and in the context of the wider Eco-Vision for the gateway, now is an appropriate time to progress a disposal and to encourage private sector investment in this opportunity.
“The vacant former Sands pub has prominence as a landmark on the Coastal Road and one of the principal access routes locally along our coast.
“The buildings and site comprise a large, regular shape with an adjacent currently public car park offering potential for dedicated car parking as part of future use.
“The buildings themselves are in a state of considerable disrepair and present a particularly poor first impression of Coastal Gateway for visitors as well as for residents.
“Without action and with further deterioration of buildings likely inaction will deter visitors and undermine wider regeneration efforts.
“A marketing exercise has been carried out on the opportunity and an offer to purchase has been made and is now progressing to terms.
“A disposal will be on a lease basis with a shorter initial lease during a demolition and rebuild stage followed by a long lease relative to the level of investment required and any associated hotel operator requirements.”
Sefton Council says it is now “moving at pace to deliver its nature-led vision for the Ainsdale gateway”, with early works expected to start as soon as the spring.
Since publishing the Vision in the autumn, the Council has progressed an agreement for the redevelopment of The Sands, progressed plans for the demolition of Toad Hall to enable temporary surface car parking, and set out an approach to progressing the future of the Pontins site that recognises both its importance to the EcoVision and the need for investment to realise a world class, nature aligned destination.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:
“We know how important it is to the local communities to do something with these sites, which is why we are looking to make progress at pace now the vision is in place.
“Ainsdale Gateway has enormous potential, and we are determined to move forward in a way that supports the local economy and experience for visitors but also protects and enhances its unique natural character.
“These early steps show real momentum while laying the groundwork for long-term, nature-led investment.
“We’re all fed up of looking at the derelict, fenced-off sites, and while we get on with what we can we’ll continue to put pressure on Britannia to tell the local community what they would propose for the future of the site.
“In the interim we’ll do some market testing to see what ideas potential investors may have for the site alongside the wider coastal gateway if the current leaseholders aren’t interested in doing something of benefit for the local community.”
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