The iconic Disney Windows in Southport are in the process of being restored as part of the £3million renovation of one of our town’s most historic buildings.
The former Grand Casino on Lord Street is currently being transformed by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure into ‘The Grand’, which is due to open in June this year.
The early 20th Century Listed building will become home to a brasserie restaurant on the ground floor, and a 250-seater function room and wedding suite and golf simulation area on the first floor.
There would be a bar with outdoor seating area to the second floor with a covered roof terrace above to occupy the existing flat roof, a canopy to the front and other external alterations.
The new development would see the creation of 60 new jobs, with recruitment currently taking place.
The landmark site was erected in 1923 as a car showroom and garage designed by Richard Woodhead. In 1938 it was repurposed and largely rebuilt as The Grand Cinema, designed by George Edward Tonge. It screened its final movies in 1966.
One of the building’s most unique features was its stained glass windows on the first floor featuring Disney characters.
Concerns were raised about their future when the windows disappeared from view a few months ago. But they have been removed for safe-keeping while renovation work takes place, and are due to return, and will be able to be enjoyed once more when The Grand opens this summer.
Design work is being carried out by Southport architects Clayton Architecture, which has commissioned Nexus Heritage to carry out a Heritage Statement as part of the planning process.
The document says: “The designation description in the National Heritage List for England confirms that the building was Listed in October 2000.
“Interestingly, the designation description mentions the stained glass in the first floor bay windows but does not remark that the imagery in the stained glass lights is that of Disney characters – including Snow White and one of the Seven Dwarfs (either Sneezy or Bashful).
“These stained glass panels have been removed by the applicant for safe-keeping and eventual reinstatement.
“The ‘Disney Windows’ would be reinstated to the first floor bay windows.”
The repair and return of the Disney Windows is part of the careful renovation of the historic site, one of Lord Street’s grandest landmarks.
The Heritage Statement says: “The applicant wishes to repair and repurpose the Grand Casino, Lord Street, Southport.
“The applicant has commissioned a design approach that takes account the sensitive nature of the building and its location which has resulted in a practical and achievable solution which would bring the building back into an economic and broadly sympathetic use and secure its long-term preservation.”
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure, owned by Andrew Mikhail, is a substantial investor in Southport already. The firm already operates The Bold Hotel, the Lord Street Hotel, the Lord Street Sports Bar, Punch Tarmey’s Irish themed bar and the feature bar inside Southport Market.
The opening of The Grand this summer represents Phase One of the firm’s proposals for the site.
Phase Two would see the creation of a Wellness Centre, Spa and hotel rooms.
Phase 3 would see the construction of the Tower Of Hope, a 48-storey tower which would house: 140 residential apartments, 109 five star hotel rooms, a top quality restaurant and a stylish wedding venue.
Andrew Mikhail, Chairman of Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group said: “I am thrilled to be able to create so many local jobs for the area with the regeneration of The Grand.
“The opening of this striking venue will attract both locals and tourists to enjoy a five-star experience and we need a five-star team in order to provide that experience.
“Those people that have visited other Mikhail Group venues will have experienced that high quality of service expected of our teams.
“I can’t wait to bring The Grand back to life and the staff will become the beating heart of the venue.”
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