The Garrick

[bensherman]

I pass The Garrick more or less daily.

I have pondered what, if anything, is happening to it.

I know some boards appeared a few weeks ago promising a big,bling re-emergence.

But there is apparently nothing going on. About a year ago the new windows appeared on the corner of Kingsway. Apart from that, the exterior continues to degrade.

Of course work may be happening inside, but I have never seen work people arrive or depart, nor have I seen any evidence of materials arriving.

My guess is that whoever bought it, is in a trap. The scale of work can't be funded, and the interest on debt is mounting while there is no revenue.

I hope I am wrong but I suspect that before the end of the year the developer will give up

[gsgsgs]

I pass The Garrick more or less daily.

I have pondered what, if anything, is happening to it.

I know some boards appeared a few weeks ago promising a big,bling re-emergence.

But there is apparently nothing going on. About a year ago the new windows appeared on the corner of Kingsway. Apart from that, the exterior continues to degrade.

Of course work may be happening inside, but I have never seen work people arrive or depart, nor have I seen any evidence of materials arriving.

My guess is that whoever bought it, is in a trap. The scale of work can't be funded, and the interest on debt is mounting while there is no revenue.

I hope I am wrong but I suspect that before the end of the year the developer will give up

I need to ask where The Garrick was?

[Toodles McGinty]

It's the old Mecca bingo isn't it?

[The PNP]

It's the old Mecca bingo isn't it?

Yes and before that a theatre/cinema - I went to see a panto there once upon a time.

[Humphrey Rhodes]

Yes and before that a theatre/cinema - I went to see a panto there once upon a time.

Tommy Steele played there in 1957, I remember my sister queuing up to see him and then waiting to meet him on his way out, where he was mobbed by the local girls.

[Alikado]

Yes and before that a theatre/cinema - I went to see a panto there once upon a time.

Oh no you didn't!

[Alikado]

I need to ask where The Garrick was?

It's on Garrick Parade.

[donkey22]

I really hope it succeeds. Much better to see part of Southport’s heritage restored to its former glory as a boutique hotel, rather than being ripped down to create more empty shops or car parking.

[The PNP]

Oh no you didn't!

Oh yes I did!

[Stuartli]

Used to go regularly when younger when some of the UK's top variety acts would appear for a week's run.

Some of them would pay a visit to the ABC Minors' Saturday morning gatherings to entertain the youngsters and these included Old Mother Riley and Arthur Askey.

The Garrick was one of many cinemas and theatres designed in the town by prolific architect George Tonge. See:

https:// cinematreasures.org/theaters/22651

[Nick2]

Nothing more exciting as a youngster in the 40s, than being taken to watch the annual pantomime at the Garrick at Christmas time. One of my first ever dates, as a young teenager, was at the Garrick to watch Ruby Murray. A popular Irish singer in the early 50s. Happy days!

[Toodles McGinty]

I really hope it succeeds. Much better to see part of Southport’s heritage restored to its former glory as a boutique hotel, rather than being ripped down to create more empty shops or car parking.

I hope so too.

We see quite a few old buildings either fall into disrepair or pulled down, then lots of lovely plans to build this and that in its place, then zilch.

I recall the flash new hotel and apartments that were supposed to be built on the site of the old Kingsway club. Still waiting. The wondrous new lagoon that is now supposed to be built half a mile down the road. The replacement for the Floral Hall seems to be happening, but I won't hold my breath until it's completed.

There have been a few success stories. The Vincent in place of the old cinema. The Grand taking up much of the old casino. But the building on the Prom that housed the new casino - now vacant - is a white elephant. Never fully utilised, now completely empty.

Fingers crossed that the plans for the old Debenhams store and the Garrick come to fruition. Or they'll end up like 'Leos', a rotting eyesore.

Sign of the times, I guess.

[Blackrock]

Yes and before that a theatre/cinema - I went to see a panto there once upon a time.

I was taken there by my Dad as a 11 year old to see The Longest Day not long after it was first released in the early sixties. It still remains as one of the best war movies I ever saw.

[bensherman]

I hope so too.

We see quite a few old buildings either fall into disrepair or pulled down, then lots of lovely plans to build this and that in its place, then zilch.

I recall the flash new hotel and apartments that were supposed to be built on the site of the old Kingsway club. Still waiting. The wondrous new lagoon that is now supposed to be built half a mile down the road. The replacement for the Floral Hall seems to be happening, but I won't hold my breath until it's completed.

There have been a few success stories. The Vincent in place of the old cinema. The Grand taking up much of the old casino. But the building on the Prom that housed the new casino - now vacant - is a white elephant. Never fully utilised, now completely empty.

Fingers crossed that the plans for the old Debenhams store and the Garrick come to fruition. Or they'll end up like 'Leos', a rotting eyesore.

Sign of the times, I guess.

Add to your list the building at the Morrisons end of Kings Gardens. I am pretty sure I have heard at least twice of plans to convert to a restaurant.

I suspect it's a bit like Dragons Den. Someone comes in with a gadget which intrigues everyone until they realise the guy has zero business acumen.

One development I haven't missed was the 40-odd storey tower mooted for the "Northern Quarter".

[Alikado]

I hope so too.

We see quite a few old buildings either fall into disrepair or pulled down, then lots of lovely plans to build this and that in its place, then zilch.

I recall the flash new hotel and apartments that were supposed to be built on the site of the old Kingsway club. Still waiting. The wondrous new lagoon that is now supposed to be built half a mile down the road. The replacement for the Floral Hall seems to be happening, but I won't hold my breath until it's completed.

There have been a few success stories. The Vincent in place of the old cinema. The Grand taking up much of the old casino. But the building on the Prom that housed the new casino - now vacant - is a white elephant. Never fully utilised, now completely empty.

Fingers crossed that the plans for the old Debenhams store and the Garrick come to fruition. Or they'll end up like 'Leos', a rotting eyesore.

Sign of the times, I guess.

A lot of these marvellous business projects are just to get the land which they know will increase in value they then let the property go to wrack & ruin and after a couple of mysterious fires it will have to be demolished just like the Kingsway, then a plan to build a block of flats or retirement homes will come along and it will have to be approved to get rid of the eyesore.