A 1950s industrial building with stunning views is set to become a new yoga studio and cafe.

The Southport pumping station was put up for sale by Sefton Council in 2021, but has been empty for years, despite planning permission previously been granted to convert the premises into a restaurant.

However, a new planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council for a change of use from the former pumping station, to a yoga studio on the lower ground floor, and cafe and office to upper ground floor. The application was made by Paul Halsall on October 6, acting on behalf of the applicant, Pump Works Limited

According to the heritage statement submitted by MFP Group, and uploaded to Sefton Council’s planning portal, the building is a 1950s concrete pumping station, no longer required for its original purpose, currently stands in a poor state of repair, and is used only for storage.

MFP Group wrote: “Although not a listed building, its location within the Southport Promenade Conservation Area and adjacency to Kings Gardens means it has a direct impact on the setting of designated heritage assets. In its current deteriorated state, it detracts from the heritage qualities of its surroundings.

“Heritage Lottery Fund investment in the 2010s led to significant restoration of Kings Gardens, reinstating much of their Victorian character. The reuse of the Pump Works represents an opportunity to continue this process of heritage improvement by removing a detracting feature and introducing a positive use that supports the traditional leisure role of Southport’s seafront.

“The wider setting of the Old Pump Works is a highly sensitive heritage environment. The building sits on the western edge of Kings Gardens, a Grade II Registered Park, and faces the historic Marine Lake across the Esplanade.

“It is also within the Southport Promenade Conservation Area, whose character appraisal identifies the gardens, promenade and seafront buildings as integral to the town’s Victorian and Edwardian seaside identity.”

MFP Group said the Old Pump Works was utilitarian in form and not intended as an architectural feature, adding its current dereliction and surface deterioration mean it detracts from the quality of the Conservation Area. However, the developers believes the structure offers scope for ‘adaptive reuse’, allowing a modern function that respects the historic layout of the gardens and seafront promenade.

Referring to the character of the property, the heritage statement adds: “Though functional in appearance, the structure offers scope for adaptive reuse, contributing positively to the local environment if upgraded.

“The site is positioned prominently along the Esplanade, with pedestrian access from both the promenade and gardens. Its current neglected appearance diminishes the quality of the Conservation Area.”

The intention is to bring an underutilised building back into sustainable use as a Health & Wellness Centre, with facilities including a ground floor yoga studio and fitness area, and a cafe and office space on the upper floor.

The planning application has been validated by Sefton Council and will enter the consultation phase on January 11, 2026.