Hospitals’ deputy chief moves on
NEARLY 2,000 people joined a campaign to save Southport Theatre & Convention Centre in just 48 hours.
The Facebook group Save Southport Theatre (STCC) was set up on Saturday by Lisa Kelly, who is determined to “keep the STCC and make it great again”.
The Theatre and Floral Hall were closed due to the coronavirus lockdown in March with no operator in place.
Investing in the complex is one of the “Big Ideas” in the current Southport Town Deal wider consultation, which runs until July 20.
Views can be submitted at https://yourseftonyour say.sefton.gov.uk/future southport/
Lisa said: “This group is for all those who support the reopening of Southport Theatre and our lovely Floral Hall. You may be aware that we shut our doors in March and the keys were handed back to Sefton Council who own the building.
“As yet there have been no decisions made public on the future of the building but we want to show Sefton Council and any prospective management companies that we the ex employees, businesses and the people of Southport want to keep STCC and make it great again
“It’s a huge asset to Southport and it’s economy and to lose it would be a huge disadvantage to the area.”
She been delighted by the response so far.
She said: “As you can see from the amount of members we’ve had in less than 48 hours, the people of Southport want STCC back up and running.
“First of all we want to know if or when the necessary repairs are going to take place to the building and who will be managing the venue.”
In March, Sefton Council appointed IPW to appraise long-term investment and redevelopment options for Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
IPW, a specialist sport, venues, entertainment and business events consultancy, is working with the council on feasibility studies into the redevelopment of the STCC.
The council recently agreed to invest about £1m to carry out essential remedial works to the venue, which was officially opened by Marlene Dietrich in May 1973.
STCC is already one of the UK’s largest integrated conference centres, offering 14 flexible event spaces suitable for a variety of events, an awardwinning hotel and facilities including a 1,631-seat theatre auditorium and casino.
The theatre has enjoyed a rich history, having hosted stars including The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross and The Four Tops.
In more recent years, crowds at the venue have enjoyed comic talent including Peter Kay and The League of Gentlemen.
THE deputy chief executive and director of strategy at Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospitals Trust is leaving her role.
Therese Patten has been appointed chief executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and will start her new job in mid-September.
Ms Patten, who was acting chief executive before the appointment of Trish ArmstrongChild, had been at Southport and Ormskirk since joining from Alder Hey in 2016.
She said: “I have loved my time at Southport and Ormskirk and it’s been a privilege to work with so many amazing people.
“I want to thank everyone for their support and kindness over the years and will be taking many happy memories with me to Yorkshire.”
Ms Armstrong-Child said: “I know everyone will want to join me in congratulating Therese on her appointment as a NHS chief executive.
“Her skills and experience have been invaluable to the trust over recent years. Yorkshire’s gain is Lancashire’s loss.
“We wish her all the very best.”