Hospitality giant JD Wetherspoon invests £5m converting former Liverpool city region pub into a 29-bedrooom hotel. Andrew Brown reports
JD Wetherspoon has revealed how its new Wetherspoon Hotel in Southport town centre will look, as the firm released its first image of the 29-bedroom facility.
It 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 £5m investment in Southport town centre, delivering high-quality hotel accommodation and improved hospitality facilities”.
This 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.
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.
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“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.
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.