Council approves renovation of Garrick Theatre to 109-bed hotel

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council has approved the application to convert Southport Garrick Theatre, into a hotel and spa with a performance space.

Proposed changes include 12 residential units and a hotel providing 109 rooms featuring a terrace and pool on the fourth floor, various commercial units comprising food and drink, a spa/day spa, an event kiosk/box office and retail space.

The redevelopment will also see the launch of a bar and restaurant, refurbishment of the existing event auditorium; the erection of a lift to the rear, rooftop extensions including provision of three additional floors to the existing fly-tower, repairs to external fabric of the building, and the erection of a canopy to the front elevation with and associated works.

The Garrick, which opened in 1932, occupies a large plot at the southwest end of Southport town centre. It was constructed on the site to replace Frank Matcham’s Opera House, which was destroyed by fire.

The Garrick was purchased by Essoldo Cinemas in early 1957 but attempts to run it as a dedicated cinema were unsuccessful. It was then converted to a bingo hall by Mecca Bingo in 1963 and remained in operation until being forced to close in March 2020 by Covid regulations.

The Garrick was added to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022.

In April 2021, operator Mecca Bingo announced it would not be reopening the venue. This more or less coincided with the end of Mecca Bingo’s lease term on the building which was due to expire on 28 September 2021.

In July 2023 the new owner, Garrick Southport Ltd, submitted a planning application for a mixed-use development for the theatre, including a hotel, gym/spa facility, bar and restaurant and residential units along with refurbishment of the auditorium for use as an events space.

The scheme included extensions to the building, particularly around the fly tower, and a number of alterations within the building.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “Overall, the proposal is viewed as very positive. The building will be brought back to its original use with some adaptations to secure its long-term viability. The proposal seeks to restore many original features and ensure key elements of the original fabric are retained.

“The proposal will provide a boost to the building’s long-term future and economy by bringing new life to this part of the conservation area. The proposal is less than substantial harm, however, is outweighed by the significant public benefits the scheme would bring, securing the optimum viable use of the building and the restoration of original architectural features.”