This is how the brand new Wetherspoon Hotel in Southport town centre will look, as the firm released its first image of the 29-bedroom facility.
The firm is investing £5 million into transforming the historic Pavillion Building at 93-97 Lord Street.
The existing Sir Henry Segrave pub on the ground floor would be revamped, with 28 en-suite hotel rooms created on the upper floors.
Wetherspoon says “the project represents a £5 million investment in Southport town centre, delivering high-quality hotel accommodation and improved hospitality facilities”.
Read More: One month until Southport Comedy Festival opens with SIX shows sold out already
The substantial investment is being made in anticipation of the £106 million Marine Lake Events Centre development and the Light Fantastic in the Marine Lake, where contractors AE Yates are currently on site.
After planning permission for the new hotel was approved in September 2024, Wetherspoon has now submitted further plans to incorporate and improve the existing grass verge to the front of the pub into an outdoor dining area, characterised by free-standing furniture and planters.
The submission has been drawn up by Just-H Architects, and says: “The scheme aims to create and formalise an external customer area with landscaping and accessibility improvements together with the refurbishment and conversion of the upper floors to provide hotel accommodation.
“The submission follows earlier planning approvals for works to the property. The previously approved scheme established the principle of improvements to the premises including alterations to enhance customer facilities.
“The proposal includes the upgrade of the existing grassed area to provide an attractive and accessible outdoor space for customers. The design keeps the existing mature tree on site and introduces new planting beds and planters to improve visual amenity and biodiversity. The site is within the Lord Street Conservation Area.
“The scheme supports sustainable development, promotes town centre vitality and protects heritage assets while contributing to Sefton Council’s objectives for regeneration and visitor economy growth in Southport.
“Given the sensitive heritage context, the design approach has been developed to respect the character and setting of Lord Street. The materials, scale and detailing are consistent with the conservation area and the proposed works are designed to be reversible.
“The proposals will improve the external appearance of a currently under-used heritage building, enhancing its condition and contribution to the streetscape.
“The project represents a £5 million investment in Southport town centre delivering high-quality hotel accommodation and improved hospitality facilities.
“It will support the town’s visitor economy, especially in anticipation of the Marine Lake Events Centre development, while creating and retaining local jobs during construction and operation.
“The scheme improves customer experience, accessibility and the overall vibrancy of Lord Street and will contribute positively to Southport’s regeneration.
“Accessibility is a key part of the proposal. Ground floor alterations have been designed to provide step-free and inclusive access for all customers including wheelchair users.
“Although the new lawn will replace an existing grassed area, the scheme will still achieve a positive biodiversity through a range of measures. These include the retention and protection of the mature tree, new planting with nectar-rich and native species. There are also opportunities for small-scale habitat features including bird boxes and pollinator-friendly species.
“From a highways and public realm perspective, the proposals will not result in any loss of public access or highway land.
“The external terrace will be safely enclosed and designed in consultation with Green Sefton and the Highways Authority.
“ All external furniture, surfacing and boundaries will be high quality and in keeping with the character of the conservation area.
“In summary, the proposed works form part of a major investment in a key heritage asset and the wider Southport town centre. The scheme delivers significant public benefits including economic, heritage and accessibility improvements.”
In terms of tourism, the submission says: “The project represents a £5 million investment in Southport town centre, delivering high-quality hotel accommodation and improved hospitality facilities.
“It will support the town’s visitor economy, especially in anticipation of the Marine Lake Events Centre development, while creating and retaining local jobs during construction and operation.
“The scheme enhances customer experience, accessibility, and the overall vibrancy of Lord Street, contributing positively to Southport’s wider regeneration.”
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Wetherspoon is always keen to add to the facilities for customers at its pubs.
“We aim to redevelop the existing pub and add a 29 bedroom hotel, which we believe will be a great benefit to the pub, the town, customers and staff.”
“We have planning approved for the redevelopment of the pub and the addition of 29 hotel rooms on the upper floors.
“This project has been approved internally, and we are pulling together the timeline for the development.”
Planning permission has previously been granted for the Garrick site, just a few doors away, into a scheme including 109 new hotel rooms, 12 luxury apartments, a gym and spa and a new theatre space, in a further boost for Lord Street.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
