Plans submitted to demolish Ainsdale’s iconic Toad Hall as regeneration moves forward
One of Ainsdale’s most recognisable landmarks could soon disappear after a planning application was submitted to demolish the historic Toad Hall building.
Sefton Council is progressing plans to demolish the former nightclub at 1–2 Promenade, Ainsdale, as part of its wider regeneration proposals for the coastal area.
The planning application, reference DC/2026/01680, was validated on 20 October 2026 and is currently awaiting a decision, with a target determination date of 17 November.
The application has been submitted by Ridge & Partners LLP on behalf of Sefton Council.
A building with more than 100 years of history
Toad Hall has been part of Ainsdale’s landscape for around a century, having originally been constructed during the 1920s as part of plans to develop Ainsdale-on-Sea.
The building has served several purposes over the decades and is particularly remembered by generations of local residents as a nightclub.
Following its closure in the late 1990s, the property remained vacant and gradually fell into disrepair.
Despite its deteriorating condition, Toad Hall has remained a familiar landmark for residents and visitors travelling towards Ainsdale beach.
Council says building is beyond restoration
Sefton Council has previously explained that independent structural assessments identified serious concerns about the condition of the building.
According to the council, the structure has deteriorated to the point where restoration would not be financially viable.
Parts of the upper floors are considered unsafe to access, making repair work particularly challenging.
The demolition proposals include the removal of asbestos by specialist contractors before the building is progressively dismantled.
Where suitable, materials such as brick and concrete could be processed and reused as part of the redevelopment.
What will happen to the famous sand lizard mural?
One of the most recognisable features of Toad Hall is the enormous sand lizard mural created by Liverpool artist Paul Curtis in 2021.
The colourful artwork transformed the appearance of the previously boarded-up building and quickly became a popular local landmark.
The mural celebrates the rare sand lizards found in the surrounding coastal dunes and has become closely associated with Ainsdale. However, demolition would mean the loss of the artwork.
Sefton Council has previously explained that the mural was always intended to be temporary, although opportunities for new public artwork could be explored as part of the wider regeneration proposals.
What is planned for the site?
Following demolition, Sefton Council intends to use the cleared site for a temporary surface car park.
A separate planning application for the proposed car park is expected.
The demolition forms part of the council’s wider Ainsdale-on-Sea regeneration ambitions, which aim to improve the coastal visitor experience while protecting the area’s natural environment.
The longer-term vision includes improvements to visitor facilities, public spaces and access to the coastline.
The wider regeneration proposals also consider the future of other prominent sites in the area, including the former Sands pub and Pontins holiday park.
However, these wider proposals remain at different stages of development and should not be regarded as approved schemes.
When will demolition begin?
No confirmed demolition start date has been announced.
The current application remains under consideration, with a target decision date of 17 November 2026.
Further details about the timing of the works are expected once the relevant procedures have been completed.
The end of an era for Ainsdale
For many residents, Toad Hall represents an important part of Ainsdale’s history.
From its early days during the development of Ainsdale-on-Sea to its years as a popular nightclub and more recently as the home of the famous sand lizard mural, the building has been a familiar feature of the coastal landscape for generations.
While the council considers demolition necessary because of the building’s condition, its disappearance would mark another significant change to Ainsdale’s seafront.
Do you remember Toad Hall during its nightclub days, or would you like to see something different planned for the site?
Residents can view the proposals by searching for planning application DC/2026/01680 through Sefton Council’s planning portal.
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