SOUTHPORT BRICKS
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This building was originally called the Southport Convalescent Hospital and Sea Bathing Infirmary. It provided sea air and bathing in order to aid the recovery of the sick. It was built in 1852-53, by Thomas Withnell, for the Southport Strangers' Charity.
This charity had been founded in 1806 for the relief of poor convalescents (particularly those from the crowded manufacturing districts).
During the Second World War the hospital was used as an 'emergency hospital' to treat military patients and also civilian patients injured in Liverpool.
In 1948 it became the Promenade Hospital under the new NHS. It had over 200 beds and it closed in April 1990.
Apparently it stood empty for a few years and then was eventually turned into luxury apartments around the turn of the century. Today it is called Marine Gate Mansions and the likes of Steven Gerrard have been known to reside there among others.
Promenade Hospital 1882
My View
One of my favourite buildings situated in an ideal setting overlooking the Marine Lake. From a distance it looks like some French chateaux that has been dropped into Southport but if you read up on the place its actually based on the German gothic style of architecture.
It often has scaffolding around it somewhere suggesting plenty of money is still being poured into this site. It would cost you the thick end of £200,00 at least to but an apartment here but what a location.