New deal raises hopes for waterfront revival
THEATRE goers will soon be able to enjoy ‘the next generation of elevated theatre entertainment’ after Sefton Council engaged a firm to revitalise the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC).
The local authority signed the deal with the leading hotel and leisure company as part of a major investment in the town.
Bliss is already well established in Southport, owning and operating the Waterfront complex, which includes the Ramada Plaza Hotel, winner of the Hotel of the Year 2017 at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
Robert Agsteribbe, cofounder of Bliss Hotels and Bliss Investment Partners, said: “Together with Sefton Council, we will create a lively, world renowned waterfront by stimulating growth and economic activity with everyone enjoying the next generation of elevated theatre entertainment with amazing new performance experiences.
“It is our shared ambition that this partnership will lead to Southport being a new leader in Leisure and Entertainment.”
The council-owned STCC, which adjoins the Bliss complex, is a crucial part of Sefton’s visitor economy as the primary conference venue.
It is also the biggest theatre in the borough with a seated capacity of over 1,600.
The new plans for the STCC put it at the heart of the Bliss strategy to develop the Waterfront as one of the best and most vibrant coastal destinations in the UK attracting new investment, new visitors and providing a significant boost to the local economy.
This will include new facades and landscaping to create improved flow and visibility around the Waterfront and encourage 360’ usage of the complex and promenades.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are totally committed to ensuring that the STCC has an ambitious future and are delighted that Bliss are confirmed as the new operator.
“Bliss are as ambitious as the council for the waterfront area and we look forward to seeing great improvements in the overall quality of productions and increased conference numbers at the important STCC as well as wider enhancement to the whole waterfront.
“We strongly believe the STCC is a great asset for Sefton and a building that benefits visitors and residents in a key location in Southport.”