Former Promenade Hospital

The former Promenade Hospital, originally a convalescent hospital and sea-bathing infirmary, was constructed in stages between 1852 and 1883. It was designed by Thomas Withnell for the Southport Strangers' Charity, with extensions in 1862 and a significant front range added between 1881 and 1883 by Paull & Bonella. Further alterations occurred around 1900 and in the 20th century. The building is constructed of red brick with terracotta and ashlar dressings, covered by slate roofs.

The 1881 range is the most architecturally significant, built in a North German Gothic Revival style. It forms an L-shaped plan with a plinth, first-floor band, panelled frieze, crowstepped gables with coped gable stacks and a steep pitched roof with two quadruple stacks. Glazing bar sashes, mostly reglazed, are the dominant window type. The three-storey range has fifteen windows, with a central section featuring alternating single and double windows with segmental heads. Above are pairs of smaller windows, and above those again, four dormers, each with two lights, elaborate gables and finials. Octagonal stair towers with matching fenestration flank these central elements, topped with an octagonal turret, a spire and a finial. The ends of the block feature two windows and single dormers. A return to Avondale Road, approximately three windows wide, shows matching fenestration.

The 1852 range comprises seven windows, featuring a central canted bay window over two storeys, flanked to the left by a square single-storey bay window. These windows are segment-headed cross casements. The 1862 additions, built on a square plan, are two storeys high with coped gable and casement windows, some reglazed, and create two courtyards.

The main facade facing Seabank Road is thirteen windows wide and includes a central two-story porch with a coped gable. A datestone inscribed “Founded 1806” sits above the entrance, with a pair of pointed arched windows directly above. Four large windows, now boarded, are flanked by pilasters under a cornice. Above are four casements, while projecting gables with gable stacks and two windows on each floor are found at either end. The interior of the building has not been inspected.