A derelict former Southport hotel which is next door to one of the North West’s most striking murals could soon be transformed into new self-contained apartments.
The grand former Continental Hotel and licensed restaurant at 22 Promenade is a key gateway building in Southport town centre, on the corner of the Promenade and Scarisbrick Avenue.
Scarisbrick Avenue is seen as one of the key routes linking Lord Street with the Promenade, and is due to undergo a £1million transformation scheme this year led by Sefton Council.
The site is next door to the magnificent four-storey Red Rum mural which was created by local artist Paul Curtis in March 2020, as one of the highlights of the Sefton Borough of Culture year.
The former hotel has sat empty and neglected in recent years, frequently vandalised by squatters and burglars.
There are now high hopes for its regeneration, after a planning application for its conversion was submitted by Dr Khanijau to Sefton Council, with Rod Ainsworth Architect in Southport creating the design work to turn the building into nine self-contained flats.
The 2021 Historic England Heritage At Risk Register described the Promenade in Southport as being in ‘Very Bad’ condition with a ‘Medium’ level of vulnerability.
These plans could help to improve one of the road’s key features.
The building had previously been on the market with Sutton Kersh Estate Agents.
In their information online, they described it as “a redevelopment opportunity to convert to provide several self contained apartments”.
They said: “The property provides a substantial double fronted four storey period building formerly occupied on the ground floor as restaurant accommodation. The upper floors had planning approval for 10 two bedroom residential flats which has now expired. The building is fully vacant and ready for refurbishment and redevelopment.
They described it as “fronting the Promenade on the corner of Scarisbrick Avenue, directly opposite Marine Lake in a busy prominent position within walking distance to local amenities and Southport Town Centre, the main retail area.”
A Sefton Council Planning report into the property five years ago said: “Number 22 Promenade is a key gateway building leading onto Scarisbrick Avenue and serves as a focal point for the entrance to this pedestrianised street.
“The building’s age, style and architectural detail significantly contribute to the character and appearance of the Promenade Conservation Area.
“However the building has been derelict and vacant for a number of years and is identified within the Promenade Conservation Area Appraisal as being a negative factor due to its character and appearance; this factor also contributes to the Conservation Area being placed on the national Heritage at Risk Register.
“The building has been subjected to break-ins and occupancy by squatters who have damaged parts of the building. This activity was reported to the police.
“The applicant has reported that the police advised that further damage and / or disruption would be likely the longer the building remained unoccupied.”
In October last year, Sefton Council announced a £1million plan to revamp Scarisbrick Avenue, a hub of Southport nightlife and home to other businesses including cafes, takeaways and an award-winning fish and chip restaurant.
A package of works worth nearly £1million has been proposed including new, high quality paving, enhanced street lighting, improved pedestrian crossings, environmental additions and rejuvenated signage and CCTV equipment.
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, Chop House, the Dolphin Chippy, Hideaway, Concept Food Bar and others, in addition to the side of The Scarisbrick Hotel.
It is hoped the scheme will greatly improve the popular walkway, which connects the heart of Southport Town Centre with the Promenade and seafront, ultimately complementing the ongoing work of both the Southport Town Deal and the Southport Townscape Heritage Project.
Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control said in October:
“Scarisbrick Avenue has seen an increase in footfall since 2020 with the addition of the impressive Red Rum mural, painted by famous local artist Paul Curtis, as part of the local authority’s Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations.
“The fantastic work of the Townscape Heritage Project team, along with the brilliant long term vision and successes we’re already seeing from the Southport Town Deal are creating a positive future for the town and these works on Scarisbrick Avenue are a much welcomed addition to those projects.”
Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Locality Services, Cllr John Fairclough, said:
“Scarisbrick Avenue is one of three main routes connecting Lord Street with the Promenade and its popularity over time has led to some significant wear and tear.
“It has been a long standing ambition to secure funding to make improvements and we are delighted that we are now in a position to do so.
“These improvements to Scarisbrick Avenue were identified as one of the projects the Council was committed to delivering that would complement the proposals in the successful Town Deal bid and the Townscape Heritage Project.”
A total of £920,000 has been allocated for the project via the Government’s Highways Challenge Fund grant and Sefton’s Growth Programme.
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