Plans have been revealed to transform the iconic Art Deco Leo’s Bar building in Southport town centre.
An image of what the new venture will look like has been created, with the new venue offering two shops and a bar on the ground floor. New shop fronts would be installed.
The first and second floors would be converted to house six residential dwellings comprising two, two-bedroom flats and four studio flats.
A planning application has been submitted for the scheme by Kemal Aslan.
In the application, AWE Architectural Design Consultancy LTD said: “The application site comprises a three-story building fronting onto Nevill Street and return toad on Bath Street, within close proximity to Southport Pier.
“The original building comprises a Victorian structure with a later Art Deco addition to the main frontage.
“The existing building is occupied by Leo’s Bar at the ground floor with ancillary storage and function rooms on the first floor. Two residential flats are located on the second floor.
“The application site is not statutorily Listed, however it is recognised as a building of merit within the Lord Street and Promenade Conservation Area Management Plan.”
The plan describes it as: “This building is in an extremely poor state and is in need of repair, reinstatement of lost / damaged features and bringing the vacant upper floors back into use.
“The declining condition of the historic building has a particularly immediate impact on the perceptions of the Conservation Area.”
AWE architectural design consultancy LTD said: “The proposal will seek for the careful upgrade of the existing bar / pub at ground floor rto provide a new high quality three commercial units.
“In addition the upper redundant ancillary space and existing residential accommodation will be converted to provide for six high quality residential apartments.
“The proposal seeks the sensitive refurbishment of the existing property to provide for a replacement bar / pub on the ground floor with dividing into two new shops and the conversion of the upper floors to provide for six new high quality flat units.
“The proposal will enhance the Promenade Conservation Area, add vitality and viability to Southport town centre and will not cause detrimental harm to the amenity of the area.”
The building has had many uses over the years, including Leo’s Bar, Berni Inn and Thorps Restaurant.
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