Southport’s famous stained glass Disney windows have retaken their pride of place overlooking the Lord Street boulevard having been lovingly restored.
Fourteen of the unique features – which are believed to have been commissioned with permission from Walt Disney himself in the 1930s – can now be seen at the front of The Grand.
The first part of the landmark building will open its doors on Friday, 15th July, following a £3million transformation by Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group. It will see the creation of 60 local jobs.
Bookings are already being made for the opening week, with people eager to enjoy the first chance to experience The Grand Brasserie and Chloe’s Bar on the ground floor.
The 250-seater Princess Grace function room and wedding suite on the first floor will be open for viewings in a couple of weeks’ time, while Harry’s Bar and Sky Bar on the top floor are due to open before Christmas.
A spokesperson for The Grand said: “‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them’ – Walt Disney.
“Making their own Grand Entrance… The stained glass Disney Windows have been lovingly restored and can be seen in proud position at The Grand from Friday 15th July.
“It is believed that Walt Disney himself gave permission for the windows to be commissioned.”
Local people are delighted to see the famed Disney windows return to Southport.
Speaking on The Grand Facebook page, Jo-Anne Lewis said: “Wonderful to see these back in situ, thank you for restoring the building with such consideration.”
Aly Linaker wrote: “So glad they are back, I was very unhappy when they disappeared from view. Look forward to seeing them.”
Sue Hughes wrote: “I do remember Snow W hite, but because it was a casino back then the curtains were very rarely opened. Glad they have been restored.”
The stunning early 20th Century art deco building has a fascinating history.
It was created in 1923 as a car showroom and garage designed by Richard Woodhead, and celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
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.
The windows were removed for safe-keeping while extensive renovation work took place, and are now back in place in time for the grand opening this July.
Design work is being carried out by Southport architects Clayton Architecture, which commissioned Nexus Heritage to carry out a Heritage Statement as part of the planning process.
The document says: “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 were removed by the applicant for safe-keeping and eventual reinstatement.”
The repair and return of the Disney Windows is just part of the careful renovation of this historic site, one of the North West’s grandest landmarks.
The Heritage Statement says: “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 owns The Bold Hotel, the Lord Street Hotel, the Lord Street Sports Bar, Punch Tarmey’s Irish themed bar and operates 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.
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.
“I can’t wait to bring The Grand back to life.”
- Would you like to visit The Grand during the opening week? Book your table for The Grand Brasserie or Chloe’s Piano Bar here: www.thegrand.co.uk
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