Work has begun on Merseyside's first Wetherspoon hotel. The pub chain is converting the vacant upper floors of its Sir Henry Segrave venue on Lord Street in Southport into 29 hotel rooms, with the firm confirming a £5m investment.
Historic building preserved
Plans previously submitted to Sefton Council detailed Wetherspoon's intention to make alterations to the ground-floor pub, including a hotel reception, an extended kitchen area and refurbishments. JH Architects, the architects behind the project, have pledged to preserve the building's historic character, particularly its 19th-century heritage.
Most of the original exterior will remain untouched, with only limited alterations planned to create additional fire exits and a new entrance.
Closure and reopening dates
The pub will close its doors as part of the ongoing work on Monday, January 4 and will reopen, alongside the new hotel, on Wednesday, June 16 2027.
Located just a 10-minute walk from the beach, the guest house will feature en-suite rooms housed within the same historic building as the bar.
Rooms at the chain's other hotels typically cost between £60 and £80 per night, although prices can vary depending on how far in advance guests book. There are 55 Wetherspoon hotels in total, located across the UK and Ireland.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon added: “We are delighted that development work has started on the hotel at The Sir Henry Segrave pub. The investment in the new hotel and pub refurbishment highlights the company’s commitment to the pub, its staff and customers and Southport itself.”
Outdoor dining area planned
Planning permission was granted in 2024. Earlier this month, Wetherspoon submitted further plans to incorporate and improve the existing grass verge to the front of the pub into an outdoor dining area, characterised by free-standing furniture and planters.
JH Architects said: “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.
“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.
“Given the sensitive heritage context, the design approach has been developed to respect the character and setting of Lord Street. The materials, scale and detailing are consistent with the conservation area and the proposed works are designed to be reversible.
“The proposals will improve the external appearance of a currently under-used heritage building, enhancing its condition and contribution to the streetscape. The project represents a £5 million investment in Southport town centre delivering high-quality hotel accommodation and improved hospitality facilities.
“It will support the town’s visitor economy, especially in anticipation of the Marine Lake Events Centre development, while creating and retaining local jobs during construction and operation.
“The scheme improves customer experience, accessibility and the overall vibrancy of Lord Street and will contribute positively to Southport’s regeneration.
“Accessibility is a key part of the proposal. Ground floor alterations have been designed to provide step-free and inclusive access for all customers including wheelchair users.
“Although the new lawn will replace an existing grassed area, the scheme will still achieve a positive biodiversity through a range of measures. These include the retention and protection of the mature tree, and new planting with nectar-rich and native species. There are also opportunities for small-scale habitat features, including bird boxes and pollinator-friendly species.
“From a highways and public realm perspective, the proposals will not result in any loss of public access or highway land. The external terrace will be safely enclosed and designed in consultation with Green Sefton and the Highways Authority.
“All external furniture, surfacing and boundaries will be high quality and in keeping with the character of the conservation area. In summary, the proposed works form part of a major investment in a key heritage asset and the wider Southport town centre. The scheme delivers significant public benefits, including economic, heritage and accessibility improvements.”
The pub itself, one of the busiest Wetherspoon venues in the region, celebrated 30 years last September. The venue is named after a Southport legend, world famous racing driver Sir Henry Segrave. In 1926 he raised the land-speed record to 152mph in his 350hp 4.5-litre Sunbeam Ladybird, on Birkdale Sands.
