Quirky historical features of an iconic Southport town centre building will be lovingly restored

Quirky historical features of an iconic Southport town centre building will be lovingly restored over the coming months thanks to Sefton Council and its partners.

 Work is already underway to breathe new life into the Grade II listed 509-515 Lord Street building in what is an ambitious restoration project, costing over £1 million and kickstarts a major part of the Southport Townscape Heritage Project.

 The renovation, which is taking place thanks to a significant grant contribution from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will see the building's heritage features restored as well as the two ground floor retail units being brought back into use.

 Work will also take place to create space for nine upper floor apartments.

 Key features also include:

 - New shop frontage

- Renovation of original stained glass leaded windows

- Refurbishment of original verandah

 Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, said: "We are very excited to see these works get started and to be able to breathe new life into this iconic building reaffirms our commitment to the regeneration and refurbishment of Southport's beautiful heritage.

 "After months of hard work in the background with design work and planning, we are pleased to see contractors start with what we hope will be the first of many refurbishment projects in the town."

 Paul Halsall of building owners Lord Street Developments, added: “Being local to the area and knowing the history of this building it is very satisfying to be able to have the opportunity of giving it a new life.

 "This high quality refurbishment which really sets a high standard for subsequent design in Southport town centre."

 David Renwick, Director, England, North, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are proud to support Sefton Council to restore the Grade II listed 509-515 Lord Street building and kickstart the Southport Townscape Heritage Project, thanks to National Lottery players.

 "This important heritage will be preserved to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield, and it will also play a significant role in boosting the local economy and aiding the wider regeneration of Southport."

 For further information about the Southport Townscape Heritage project, to follow progress on individual buildings and to learn about related town centre activities allowing people to learn more about the towns’ historic streetscape, take a look at the Southport Townscape Heritage project Facebook page or the dedicated page on the Sefton MBC website.