Hotel, spa and restaurant plan for former theatre

The former Garrick Theatre in Southport was previously used as a bingo hall

Work to transform a landmark 1930s art deco theatre building into a hotel and apartment complex is to begin next year.

The former Garrick Theatre, on Lord Street in Southport, will be redeveloped to include a 137-room hotel, 11 apartments, a spa and restaurant, as well as a new theatre and events space.

Planning permission was granted by Sefton Council for Garrick Southport Ltd to carry out the work, which is scheduled to begin in May.

The building, which was opened in 1932, will also include new commercial outlets.

"We are excited to be putting together plans to carry out building work at The Garrick," said Gary MacArthur, director of Garrick Southport Ltd.

"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."

Mr MacArthur said the company would also be installing a gym, bar, new windows and working on the front of the building, with work set to be completed by the end of 2026.

The Garrick was most recently used as a Mecca Bingo hall until its closure in March 2020.

Footprint Design and Absolute Services, who wrote the planning application, said: "The imaginative re-use will prevent deterioration and a void in the town's conservation area and may encourage a greater critical mass of related activity."

It said the development would make "a positive contribution" to the area.