Residents of Ainsdale have shared their hopes for the future of the boarded-up Sands pub, which is set to be redeveloped as part of Sefton Council's Ainsdale on Sea Eco-Vision. The pub closed permanently in 2017 and has been on the market since 2022, but no viable proposals had been put forward until now.
The council has agreed a "Heads of Terms" with developer GSL Developments, a non-binding document that provides a framework for redevelopment, outlining main goals, timelines, and predicted costs. This agreement also allows Sefton Council to ensure the developer reaches agreed milestones before granting a long-term lease for the site.
Residents' suggestions for the site
The ECHO spoke to local people to find out what they would like to see at the prominent location on the Sefton Coast. Georgia Cardwell, 32, said she would like to see "some sort of family pub or restaurant," noting it would do well in summer given its proximity to the beach. She added that her mother had her 18th birthday there, and it is a shame it is all closed. Georgia suggested something similar to the Sparrowhawk pub in Formby, which appears to do very well.
Robert Cardwell, walking with Georgia, thought the land would be suitable for a children's nursery, saying, "They're popping up all over the place now." Alan Bretherton, 72, recalled visiting the pub for Sunday lunch with his wife and son, and said it was good for a walk in the dunes. He noted there is no shortage of little bars on Station Road, but the site could be used for another pub or restaurant to draw people towards the beach.
Pat Armstrong, 79, said she had meals there when it was open and thinks the area could do with an "injection" of life, such as a new bar or restaurant. She wondered how often people would use it in winter and raised concerns about the nearby Pontins site, which closed in January 2024. Britannia Hotels Group has submitted plans to Sefton Council for the holiday park, hoping for a "positive long-term outcome." Pat noted that if people don't come down to the beach, a pub won't last.
Hotel, motel, or convalescent home?
Claire Grondin, 58, suggested the site could become a motel, citing its parking and location between Southport and Formby, with fast road links to the M57. She said it is within walking distance of trains, buses, and bars, and would be convenient for visitors to Aintree races or Liverpool. However, Lynda Schwartz, 70, disagreed, saying a hotel would not be "appropriate" due to the dangerous corner and concerns about increased traffic. She would prefer a restaurant like Emily's in Formby or Penelope's in Birkdale.
Jeremy Lister, 82, proposed a convalescent home, saying, "It would be somewhere where people can go and rehabilitate. I did think the same about Pontins. It's lovely there, overlooking the sea, people could go and recover there." George Hunter, 89, wanted to see it "return to what it was," recalling a nightclub and good Sunday lunches. He noted that since Pontins shut, people bring picnics to the beach and go home. Cathy, 75, called for another affordable eatery, saying it was good to have when she moved there.
History and developer's response
The building, located just south of the seaside town, has a long history. It was originally part of the Ainsdale Beach railway station premises, serving the Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension Railway, which closed in 1952. The structure opened in the early 20th century as the Lakeside Hotel, later renamed The Sands in the mid-20th century.
Tamlyn Stone, Director of GSL Developments Limited, said: "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."
Southport's Liberal Democrats have urged the council to ensure all agreements are properly "stress tested" and called for wider scrutiny at a public meeting.
