Council invests in redevelopment of former golf club café and clubhouse
A new bar and brasserie is set to open at one of Southport’s oldest golf clubs.
The White House will be run by council-owned Sefton Hospitality Operations Ltd (SHOL), which also operates The Lake House centre in Waterloo.
Redevelopment works have started on the former café and clubhouse at Southport Golf Links. The centre has been closed to the public for the past ten years. It will open its doors on May 20.
Kellie Rixon, SHOL’s chair, said: “We know that this building is very special to many people in the area who have been hopeful that it would reopen after being empty for so long. So many people have great memories of the White House and we can’t wait to create many more in the years to come. It’s about time it was brought back into use to fulfil its potential.”
She added: “It’s a charming space and we want to breathe new life into it and make it incredible. Our redevelopment of the site is progressing in a style which is modern, whilst remaining complimentary and sympathetic with its history.”
The contracting partner for The White House is Jonathan Myers, of Mustard Seed.
Ian Maher, Sefton Council leader, said: “This has been a derelict building for over a decade and now we are transforming the White House through major investment and expert regeneration.
“This is an iconic building on the verges of England’s oldest municipal golf links, and it means a great deal to the people of Southport.
“We now have a fantastic multi-purpose dining and drinking space which not only will be a beautiful place to enjoy but also a major player in generating new jobs and boosting the local economy.”
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and skills, said: “Having toured the White House ahead of launching I know everyone is going to be blown away by its transformation. It promises to be a beautiful Sefton asset that has been expertly developed as part of our growth and regeneration portfolio.
“Everyone can see the huge benefits the White House will bring to the town and the borough, especially through the local employment opportunities it will create for our residents.”
SHOL, which has taken a three-year agreement on The White House, was created 18 months ago with a mission to provide exceptional customer experiences at great facilities, while meeting the needs of the area’s residents and businesses.
The White House is one of a collection of properties that is being considered for redevelopment as part of a long term strategy for reinvestment. The team also has plans for the launch of a further venue coming later this year at Bootle Town Hall, and will again operate The Beach House, food and drink concession at Ainsdale Beach.
The plans for The White House follow the success of the opening of The Lake House by SHOL in August 2022. The multimillion-pound development in Crosby Coastal Park is a café, restaurant and event space with 14 bedrooms.
