COMPREHENSIVE plans to refurbish the historic, Grade II-listed Red Lion pub at Stockton Heath, with the transformation drawing inspiration from the iconic design of the old Victoria Square, have been approved by Warrington Borough Council planners.
The old Victoria Square
The significant external upgrades are coming to one of Stockton Heath’s most historic landmarks following the local authority approval for the refurbishment of the Red Lion pub.
Warrington Borough Council has approved both Full Planning and Listed Building Consent for a comprehensive overhaul of the venue’s extensive garden space at 58–60 London Road.
The project is spearheaded by the applicant, Jonny Firth of regional brewer Daniel Thwaites PLC, with architectural and design plans prepared by specialist agent John Blakeman of JB-ID.
The approved plans focus entirely on a cosmetic and functional level to improve the business footprint while preserving the high standing of the property within the immediate community.
The central feature of the approved development is the complete transformation of the pub’s outdoor area. The Red Lion’s garden, which originally served as a traditional bowling green, became a vital asset for the business during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was adapted into a dedicated beer garden. The new layout builds directly upon that setup to create a more permanent, premium, and efficient environment.
According to the planning documents, the approved works include:
Shelter Reconfiguration: Extending and reconfiguring the existing timber and polycarbonate garden shelters into strategic new positions.
Upgraded Finishes: Laying brand-new high-quality floor surfaces and introducing extensive modern landscaping throughout the garden footprint.
Enhanced Amenities: Installing a new run of decorative outdoor festoon lighting to enhance the evening atmosphere.
Increased WC Provision: Converting and reconfiguring existing storage spaces to provide additional external unisex toilet cubicles, resolving long-standing logistical pressures on the main indoor facilities.
Operational Overhauls: Enclosing an existing outdoor seating area to build a new, secure storage zone, alongside installing new timber security gates.
Bar Redecoration & Serving Hatch: Fully redecorating the existing outdoor garden servery and altering one of the existing windows to act as a dedicated, separate serving hatch, streamlining drinks service during busy peak trading hours.
Architect John Blakeman emphasised that all construction will align strictly with current building regulations. Materials used across the project will remain entirely in keeping with the existing local vernacular and the specific structural palette of the historic venue. By capturing the open, communal spirit of the old Victoria Square, the design creates a structured plaza-style environment that balances social gathering with heritage preservation.
The Red Lion stands as one of the most established hospitality venues in the region. The building was officially granted Grade II listed status on December 23, 1983 (List Entry: 1135948), recognising its deep architectural and cultural value.The site sits atop layers of rich local history. The immediate area boasts a strong Roman past, dictated by the Roman Road running straight through the borough.
Historic excavations for the Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal previously unearthed ancient artefacts, revealing an auxiliary fort or industrial hub dedicated to glass and pottery making. In the 1700s, this evolved into an ironworks run by Robert Hamlett, famous for manufacturing armaments and decorative ironmongery.
This heritage is still celebrated today by “The Forge” shopping centre, which borders the rear boundary of the pub’s garden. The Red Lion itself has stood on London Road since the 1800s, originally operating as a traditional Georgian coaching inn known as “The Lion & Lamb.”
The building still retains its distinct Georgian layout internally, complete with a historic central brick-arched entryway, traditional vaults, a snug, and a lounge. Around 1900, an early side extension was constructed to form the dedicated “Vaults” bar area. The main structure showcases classic Georgian red brickwork, stone lintels, painted timber windows, and characteristic quoins along the edges of its central face, topped by a slate shingle roof.
By securing this latest round of planning approvals, Daniel Thwaites PLC ensures that this centuries-old community hub can adapt to 21st-century hospitality demands without losing any of its irreplaceable historic character.
The existing outdoor area
