New hotel and stores to replace Marble Place
one of a number of major projects which could revitalise living and leisure in our town centre.
“We could, if we want, completely remove any need to build on local Green Belt and build modern eco-friendly homes, shops and leisure facilities which are cen- tred around the terminus of Southport’s railway lines.
“Southport has suffered over the years from a reduction in small hotels which have affected the variety of and size of conferences which we can offer to the country.
“This major addition of nearly one hundred extra bed spaces in our town could permit a complete reassessment of the town’s conference offer.”
The plans have not been universally welcomed, though, with independent Conservative town centre councillor David Barton among those unhappy with the proposal.
He said: “Given the uncertainty surrounding whether or not the present tenants would still be based here, and on the basis that, as a local community, we would stand to be facing the loss of another well-designed grand building which enhances the area, I cannot support this decision.
“I would encourage anyone with any similar feeling, be they the businesses or local residents, to contact me with their concerns as soon as possible, so that we may be able to rectify the sit- uation in respect of all the key stakeholders who have already done so much for our Classic Resort town and whose views deserve to be respected.”
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “We are actively working to bring investment into Southport to help increase footfall and encourage retail to both remain and improve. However, we only have a certain amount of influence and developers and investors will choose the sites that are most viable.
“One of the main aims of the Southport Development Framework is to build on the resort’s current assets, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, business conferencing, cultural venues and events.
“Improving the quality and adding to the accommodation in the town will grow the visitor economy and help achieve these objectives.
“Nevertheless, investment and development must be sustainable, from