Next stage of Southport’s transformation set to begin

Investigatory work on Southport’s new Marine Lake Events Centre is due to start on Monday, August 8.

It follows business case approval for the scheme last week by Sefton Council. Investigatory works will finalise the venue’s design and development.

Letters have been sent to local residents to inform them of the latest stage of the development.

Expected to take around four weeks, the investigations will involve assessing the underground conditions to progress the design further. Measures will be in place to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses and neighbours.

After approving the business case for the Marine Lake Events Centre & Water and Light Show project in Southport, Sefton Council is now keen to progress the scheme as quickly as possible.

Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and skills, Cllr Marion Atkinson, said: “The Marine Lake Events Centre is a hugely exciting and hugely important scheme for Southport and Sefton.

“The centre is forecast to attract more than half a million visitors to Southport year on year and generating an annual £18m for the local economy, so I am pleased to see work to progress getting under way so soon after receiving Council Cabinet backing.”

She added: “We now need the Government to release the funding we need to make the centre a reality as soon as possible.”

Plans to procure a design & build contractor and an operating partner for the venue were also agreed at the recent Sefton Council Cabinet meeting. A detailed planning application has already been submitted.

The Marine Lake Events Centre is one of the schemes being develop as a result of the successful bid for £37.5m of Town Deal funding for Southport. It will see Southport’s Theatre and Convention Centre transformed into a high quality entertainment and business events venue

The new centre will be complemented by the UK’s first light, water and sound show in the town’s Marine Lake.

Cllr Atkinson also talked about the work that has gone into getting the scheme to this stage. She said: “I would like to thank all the Sefton Council staff involved for the huge efforts that has gone into reaching this important milestone for the Southport Marine Lake Events Centre, and my cabinet colleagues for their support.

“This and the other Town Deal schemes will be game-changers for the economy of Southport and Sefton and will provide a huge boost for local businesses as well as opportunities for new ones.

“It’s critical that we can now get on and deliver for the residents of Sefton.”

Another key scheme made possible through the Town Deal is the Enterprise Arcade, which will see Crown Buildings refurbished to create new business incubator space, supporting Southport’s emerging creative, digital and tech sector.

Also, Les Transformations de Southport, will see the development of high quality public spaces and an accessible and well connected transport network, providing priority for walking and cycling in support of clean growth.

All of the schemes will be supported by a comprehensive programme of work to ensure visitors to Sefton, and the town’s residents enjoy across-the-board, high quality customer service.