For decades Ainsdale near Southport has been one of Liverpool city region’s best loved beaches and now Sefton is pushing on with plans for its ‘nature-led regeneration’ plan called the ‘Ainsdale on Sea Eco-Vision’. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council is moving on with its ‘Ainsdale on Sea Eco-Vision’ regeneration plan for Ainsdale beach near Southport.
Ainsdale beach and its dunes have been a popular summer destination for people from across Liverpool city region and beyond for decades. The council wants that to continue but also wants to protect the area’s natural environment and wildlife.
In 2025 it unveiled a new vision for the future of the gateway to the coast at Ainsdale, following previous consultation exercises with residents and stakeholders.
In the latest move to make this vision a reality Sefton has agreed heads of terms with GSL Developments for the redevelopment of the former Sands Public House site on Shore Road.
This landmark site occupies a prominent position on one of the principal routes to the Sefton Coast and has remained vacant for a number of years. The buildings are now in a poor state of repair.
Approval has been given by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills for the disposal of the site through a phased lease arrangement that will enable redevelopment proposals to come forward while ensuring agreed development milestones are achieved before a long-term lease is granted.
These heads of terms provide a framework for redevelopment of the site and represent an important milestone in bringing forward investment at one of the most prominent gateway locations on the Sefton Coast.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “The former Sands site occupies one of the most prominent locations in Ainsdale and has long been recognised as a key opportunity for regeneration.
“Reaching agreement on heads of terms represents an important milestone in delivering the Ainsdale on Sea Eco-Vision and demonstrates our commitment to bringing forward investment that benefits residents, visitors and local businesses.”
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Sefton’s overall vision places Ainsdale’s internationally significant dune systems, rare wildlife and seascape “at the heart of its regeneration”. It is committed to maintaining and enhancing the formally protected habitats.
Tamyln Stone, director of GSL Developments, added: “We are delighted to be working with Sefton Council to transform such a high profile building, and to deliver a first-class hospitality offer that aligns with the Council’s ambitious vision for the Ainsdale Gateway.
“We can now invest in the significant resources required to develop our designs, seek and secure planning approval, and to commence works at the earliest opportunity.”