The Leo’s Bar transformation in Southport is continuing, with the owners submitting updated drawings and plans for the historic site.
The historic art deco building, at 42-50 Nevill Street, is undergoing a substantial renovation to restore the landmark to its former glory.
Owners Derdo 2018 Ltd are working closely with Sefton Council’s Building Conservation Team and the Southport Townscape Heritage Project to turn their vision into a reality.
Sefton Council has provided a grant towards the necessary repair and reinstatement works as part of the ambition to restore a dilapidated key building on a key link between Lord Street and the Promenade.
Work is underway to change the use of the first and second floors to form six residential dwellings, comprising two, two-bedroom flats and four studio flats.
The ground floor is being divided to form a pub and two retail units, with a new shop front.
Derdo 2018 Ltd and their design team, at Ainsley Gommon Architects, have submitted an updated drawing to Sefton Council about how the building will look when work is complete. They have also submitted further details on the work being undertaken.
They say the chimney is structurally unsound and is to be removed.
The balustrade and rear stairs are to be removed for health and safety reasons. This would also help retain the original appearance of rear elevation.
The shop front divisions will be changed to make them proportionate and appear consistent with the remainder of the building.
Discussions are continuing on site regarding changes with Sefton Council’s heritage officer.
The former Leo’s Bar building – previously Thorp’s restaurant and later The Berni Inn – has been a key part of the fabric of Nevill Street for hundreds of years.
However, in recent decades its condition rapidly deteriorated due to neglect leaving both residents and Sefton Council frustrated and concerned by growing safety issues.
Sefton Council was forced to take legal action against the building’s former owners, which resulted in the property being sold to Derdo 2018 Ltd. The new owners immediately got to work on plans to restore the much-loved property.
Derdo 2018 Ltd have shown significant determination to recapture and repair the art deco features of Leo’s Bar while bringing it back into use.
These works include a full exterior renovation including render, windows, doors, roofing and guttering. Internally, the property will benefit from a new bar, creation of two shop units and accommodation on the upper floors.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said earlier this year:
“When complete 42-50 Nevill Street will be a landmark building that we can all be proud of within the Promenade Conservation Area.
“I want to thank Derdo 2018 Ltd for showing such passion and desire to restore this building properly and in keeping with its beautiful art deco history.
“The work of the Southport Townscape Heritage Project cannot be understated. We have a fantastic track record of regenerating and bringing new life to historic buildings on Southport’s streets.
“We also work hard to inspire local people and visitors to discover the town’s heritage.”
Damla Aslan of Derdo 2018 Ltd said:
“Southport has been close to our hearts so when the prospect of being able to renovate such a historical site came to light there was no doubt.
“There is a lot of work to do with some challenges encountered along the way and with many more to face. Nevertheless, with the support of the council we can look to achieve something great for the local community.”
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