Work to transform the former Garrick Theatre in Southport into the UK’s first theatre spa hotel is set to begin in May next year.
The redevelopment of the landmark Art Deco building on Lord Street marks one of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently taking place in the town.
Planning permission has now been granted by Sefton Council for Garrick Southport Ltd to bring the long-vacant building back to life, creating a vibrant new destination that combines residential, hotel, spa and retail spaces with a brand-new theatre and events venue.
Originally opened in 1932, the historic site will be carefully reimagined to include:
- A hotel featuring 137 rooms
- 11 luxury residential apartments, including a fourth-floor terrace and pool
- A gym and spa
- A bar and restaurant
- A refurbished event auditorium
- Various new commercial units
- A rooftop extension adding five additional floors
- A new rear lift and a reinstated front canopy
Two local independent businesses, PWR Box Studio and Raw Superfood, are already successfully trading from the site, with further ground-floor commercial units due to open next year as work progresses on the building’s façade.
Once complete, the Garrick’s transformation will not only restore a much-loved local landmark but also create a unique attraction that brings together culture, leisure and wellbeing in the heart of Southport.
Garrick Southport Ltd. Director Gary MacArthur said:
“We are excited to be putting together plans to carry out building work at The Garrick, starting in May next year.
“We will be creating new commercial units on the ground floor, adding to the already successful PWR Box Studio and Raw. They will be completed to the same high standard.
“We will be installing new windows and working on the facade of the building.
“By the end of next year, the front of The Garrick will look how it does in the concept images which we previously released.
“We have an excellent track record of delivering high quality developments, having just completed the Globe House scheme in the Strangeways area of Manchester city centre. We are very proficient at what we do.
“We have been working very closely with Sefton Council on this scheme and are very grateful for their ongoing support.
“These are exciting times for Southport with £20 million Government support to restore Southport Pier, the creation of the £73 million new Marine Lake Events Centre, the £10 million Town Hall Gardens vision and The Open golf championship coming to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in 2026.
“In the immediate term, we are looking to repair some minor damage caused to the exterior of the building over the weekend by Storm Amy.
“I will be on site this week while our surveyor will be there next Tuesday. We have a builder on hand ready to carry out any necessary repairs as fast as possible.
“The building is wind tight and water tight and the interior remains in good condition.”
The Garrick was most recently utilised as a Mecca Bingo hall until its closure in March 2020.
Its revitalisation will bring one of Southport’s most iconic landmarks back to life.
The planning application, with architectural design drawn up by Footprint Design and Absolute Services as the Structural Engineer, said:
“The imaginative re-use will prevent deterioration and a void in the conservation area, and may encourage a greater critical mass of related activity.
“Its re-purposing with an entertainment function for which it was designed, alongside complementary new uses, should contribute positively to the area.”
READ MORE: Southport Pier secures £20 million restoration funding
