Work has officially begun on Merseyside's first Wetherspoon hotel at the Sir Henry Segrave pub on Lord Street in Southport. The £5m project will transform the vacant upper floors of the historic building into 29 hotel rooms.
Plans approved for historic building
Plans approved by Sefton Council include changes to the ground floor, such as a new hotel reception, an extended kitchen and refurbishment work. JH Architects said the project has been designed to preserve the building's historic character, particularly its 19th-century heritage.
Most of the building's original exterior will remain unchanged, with only limited alterations planned for additional fire exits and a new entrance. The proposals also include improvements to accessibility, with step-free access planned for ground-floor facilities.
Closure and reopening dates
The pub will close on Monday, January 4, while the work takes place and is expected to reopen alongside the new hotel on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. The hotel will offer en-suite rooms within the same historic building as the pub and will be around a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Prices at Wetherspoon's other hotels typically range from £60 to £80 per night, although rates vary depending on factors such as booking date. The chain currently operates 55 hotels across the UK and Ireland.
Outdoor dining area proposed
Further plans submitted earlier this month propose turning the grass verge in front of the pub into an outdoor dining area with free-standing furniture, planters and landscaping. The mature tree on the site will be retained, while new planting will include native and nectar-rich species designed to support biodiversity.
JH Architects said the scheme has been designed to respect the Lord Street Conservation Area, with materials, scale and detailing intended to complement the surrounding heritage buildings. The practice said the investment will support Southport's visitor economy, improve the town centre and create or retain local jobs during construction and operation.
Venue's history
The Sir Henry Segrave is one of the region's busiest Wetherspoon venues and celebrated its 30th anniversary last September. It is named after Southport racing driver Sir Henry Segrave, who set a land-speed record of 152mph on Birkdale Sands in 1926 in his Sunbeam Ladybird.
