An historic Southport pub which has been serving customers since the 1700s is in line for a revamp.
The Hesketh Arms pub, in picturesque Churchtown Village, is due to undergo a refurbishment which will see changes made both inside and outside.
Inside, customers will be able to see a makeover of the gents’ and ladies’ toilets; reconfiguration of the bar to create a new cocktail station; and the refurbishment of seating in the dining room and pub snug.
Outside, people will enjoy new festoon lighting and outdoor planters; replacement of damaged paving stones; and the removal of outdoor wrought iron arches.
A planning application for full planning and listed building consent has been submitted to Sefton Council by Boyer, on behalf of Mitchells and Butlers.
In their submission, Boyer said: “The proposed alterations will not compromise the aesthetic, architectural or historic interest of the public house and shall maintain the operation and trade through the provision of a high-quality scheme that is sensitive to its surrounding context.
“The proposed works seek to ensure the public house will continue to be a vibrant destination, assisting in helping to retain and attract new patrons.”
The pub is recognised as a Grade II listed building and lies within the Churchtown Conservation Area.
The former hotel, now a public house, was created in the mid to late 18th Century before being enlarged and altered.
Changes proposed include:
Internal
- Existing carpet to be replaced with new timber flooring within central snug area
- Removal of existing screens within and repairs to internal wall, floor and ceiling for the purposes of redecoration
- Refurbishment of fixed seating within Dining Room A and the Pub Snug
- Reconfiguration of existing bar to create a new cocktail station and new vinyl flooring behind bar within the staff area
- Replacement of existing glasswash screen and installation of new which shall be overclad with timber of the customer side to create an aesthetically pleasing finish
- Removal of lobby screen and side door along with repairs to internal wall, floor and ceiling for the purposes of redecoration
- Refurbishment of both women’s and gents toilet facilities including the replacement of existing flooring with timber effect vinyl sheets, removal of internal doors, installation of new vanity unit and relocation of current screen
External
- Erection of 2no. new timer posts with festoon lighting to be supported by a series of weighted planters within the existing seating area at the front of the property.
- External refurbishment works including the replacement of damaged paving stones, new ironmongery to existing door and making good existing columns, timber fascia and decorative mouldings. All of which shall utilise an appropriate palette of material to match the existing provision.
- Installation of a new external music speaker within the entrance lobby and replacement of existing wall mounted lighting with like for like fittings.
- Removal of existing wrought iron arches adjacent to the south-eastern elevation and installation of 6no. new low level bollard lights.
Boyer said: “The scheme simply looks to make more efficient use of the current space on site to enhance the overall customer experience and in doing so to support the Hesketh Arms’ long term vitality and viability.
“The works proposed to the building are limited in nature and do not adversely affect any overall aesthetic appearance of the Hesketh Arms in any way.
“No changes are proposed to the opening hours of the pub or garden area.
“The design is reflective of the high-quality nature of the Mitchells & Butlers approach to their estate, and the proposals will form an attractive, bespoke, and inviting environment.”
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