A new campaign has been launched to encourage property owners across Sefton to restore their historic buildings, with the ultimate goal of removing local areas from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. The initiative is spearheaded by David Barton, who aims to inspire others by highlighting a prime example of heritage conservation: DIVA Southport.
DIVA Southport: A Model of Heritage Conservation
DIVA Southport, located at 215-219 Lord Street, has been a popular British eatery since 2015, known for traditional seaside staples, hearty breakfasts, and comfort food. The building, a striking Grade II listed structure, features an elaborate half-timbered style designed by noted local architect Thomas H. Hodge in the late 19th century. Its distinctive timber frame and attached Victorian verandah are frequently featured in local marketing campaigns.
This year, the building underwent an extensive restoration of its main front fascia and verandah as part of a long-running maintenance programme. David Barton documented the entire restoration process, as he has done for other property owners as part of his ongoing community support efforts.
Encouraging Placemaking and Restoration
As a former councillor for Dukes Ward, Barton has long campaigned for 'placemaking' that respects and enhances traditional architecture. He believes the team at DIVA Southport has demonstrated all the right qualities. By shining a light on this local landmark, he hopes to encourage other property owners and stakeholders to undertake similar restorative works.
With the excitement of the 154th Open Golf Championship coming to the region, there is a massive incentive for the whole area to look its best. Barton hopes this example will inspire equivalent restoration works in the Churchtown and Crosby/Waterloo Conservation Areas, so they can finally be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.
Recognition for Business Owners
Barton extended his thanks to Mr Ali Cakir and Mr Nail-Emre Cakir for their continuing support since the business originally opened in 2015. He described them as role-model business owners when considering the extensive restorative and refurbishment work completed at DIVA.
Barton chose to showcase this magnificent marvel on several grounds, including the real opportunity to reach out to new property owners across Southport and beyond. He noted that Churchtown and Crosby/Waterloo, where much is still required to conserve these parts of the borough, would do well to observe the extensive works undertaken at DIVA.
Quotes from the Team
Business owner Mr Asif Ali said: "At DIVA Southport we run a high-quality community business that reflects the local civic heritage of the area. I have known David since the business first opened and am appreciative of his continued loyalty through the years, especially when we joined forces to save the Marble Place Shopping Arcade in 2017."
Manager Nail-Emre Cakir said: "It is a pleasure to be conserving such a prestigious local building that many will have seen on marketing posters and brochures through the years. We thank David for consistently supporting us to utilize this exceptional building and of course the 'To Die For' café at Marble Place."
A loyal worker, Mr Can, who has been with the café since it opened, said: "It is very humbling for our efforts to be appreciated. We hope that we may be able to positively influence others to also look after their historic buildings, whether they are based in Southport or another part of the borough. If we can help get other places off the At Risk Register, we will be glad to have done what we can as part of this important mission."
Join the Campaign
If you are a business and would like to join the Community Conservation Campaign, please contact David Barton at davidbarton.dukesward@outlook.com.
