A Southport councillor believes that ambitious proposals to transform the former Garrick Theatre will be “a game changer” for the town.
Dukes Ward representative John Pugh believes that if the plans for a new hotel and apartments on the site of the Garrick Theatre go ahead it could lead to a much-needed revival at the south end of Lord Street.
Garrick Southport Ltd. has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council for a conversion to provide residential, hotel, spa and retail units and the refurbishment of the existing auditorium as an event space.
Ambitious plans for the landmark Art Deco building, which opened in 1932, include:
- A hotel providing 137 No. rooms
- 11 residential apartments including a terrace and pool at 4th floor,
- Various commercial units
- A gym and spa
- Bar and restaurant
- Refurbishment of the existing event auditorium
The building was most recently utilised as a Mecca Bingo hall.
Cllr John Pugh said: “If this development delivers, it could be a game changer.
“Southport badly needs to improve its quality bedspace offer and this development has a touch of class.
“What impresses is the concern by the developer to retain and exploit the Art Deco features and ‘refurbish the existing event auditorium.’
“Morecambe got a boost to tourism after the Midland Hotel was restored in true Art Deco style
“This harks back to the days when the Garrick presented itself in iconic Southport postcards as a distinctly upmarket venue.
“Even those of us who saw it in it’s bingo days knew there was something special about it.
“Everything needs to be looked at in detail.
“Announcing the plans is always the easy bit, but it is good to see a developer who recognises Southport’s heritage and aspirations.
“This is a building that started as an opera house and ended up as a bingo hall – becoming a cinema and a theatre in between. Anything that survived so many reincarnations has got to have something about it.”
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