Positive messages over new surf park proposals
SOUTHPORT people have given their reaction to plans for a brand new Southport Cove’ resort in our town.
The £40million development would create an exciting, all year-round attraction with a world class surf wave pool at its heart at Princes Park.
The news has generated huge interest in Southport, Merseyside and across the UK, where the announcement generated a number of headlines nationally.
Putting Southport on the map in a positive sense is always a good thing. Locally, it generated a huge response – the Southport Cove articles on the Stand Up For Southport website reached 35,000 people through the Stand Up For Facebook group alone in just 24 hours, with many more seeing the news on our Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn platforms.
It led to much debate too with 609 comments, in addition to 747 Likes for the news and 123 Shares. The news was generally met with delight.
A CGI image of how Southport Cove could look Writing on Stand Up For Southport, Christopher Weights said: “National best in class or better still world class attractions are exactly what this town needs.
“In the late 20th century we created a sad legacy of second rate development that has in many ways blighted the town.
“The reason for its original growth in the late 19th and early 20th century was based on attractions that drew visitors from larger but dirtier cities. These cities now have leisure attractions of their own so we need to give people a reason to come here.
“This development, if well executed, would be a great start and could turn the tide. It’s about time our tide came in.”
Neville Smith said: “Magnificent idea in concept. If Sefton Council pulls this off, it will be a triumph for the town and just the shot in the arm we need.”
Brenda Porter said: “Excellent news and a good way of being positive and going forward.
Diane Searle said: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity and would love to see a new lease of life brought back into Southport. Fingers crossed.”
Louise Dale said: “This would be amazing! Tracy Badley Robinson said: “If this happens it will be absolutely amazing! Great news.”
Julie Wilson said: “Looking forward to this grand kids will love it.”
Anna Farnhill said: “The surf place in north Wales is constantly booked! We know we have missed out a few times.”
Rebecca Kenny said: “This is brilliant and I’m really excited. Southport has so much untapped potential; it could be a centre for Northern arts if we just let it. Get some independents in and establish a street food market and graffiti area and we’d be laughing.”
Chris RyAnne said: “Really hope this happens, really miss the open air pool.” Moe Langley said: “With retail moving online, we need to work on tourism to bring money back, and hopefully more shops, to our town. This would be amazing.”
Attilio Sergi said: “This is fantastic news. This not just for the summer will be all year around attraction and the theatre will go ahead in tandem.”
Sandra Waters said: “There’s one of these near Trefriw, North Wales and it looks great. Since opening they seem to have added camping pods too. Sounds like a great use of land although the one in Wales seems to be much bigger. Let’s try and be positive!”
Sara Ashby said: “Let’s hope this happens, get our town busy and thriving again! Entertainment for our children.”
A CGI image of how Southport Cove could look Sefton Council has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Go Surf to create Southport Cove Resort, an exciting, new, all year-round attraction with a world class surf wave pool at its heart at Princes Park.
Situated on the seafront, this spectacular project would also include water-based wellness and spa facilities, four-star accommodation, casual dining (restaurant and cafes), and indoor leisure facilities.
A 250m long beach coupled with a 360-degree boardwalk and planted gardens will mean that visitors can take in the pool’s surrounding landscape, for water users and non-water users alike.
Using the next generation of surf pool technology Southport Cove will make waves that can reach over two metres for accomplished surfers, to just 0.5 metres for those who prefer fun’ waves.
Some readers were guarded about whether the scheme will ultimately go ahead, after the collapse of schemes going many years back such as Sibec in the 1980s and the proposed water park at Ocean Plaza in the 1990s.
One reader said: “Will wait and see. Believe it only when it is opened. Another said: “What a great idea, but it’s never going to happen.”
Another said: “Oh if only, it’s such a good idea but I doubt it will happen! When I was 17 we were promised an ice rink but we are still waiting and I’m almost 69.”
Others suggested other schemes that Southport should now pursue.
Dave Morgan said: “They could have a hovercraft station as well to make the trip across to Blackpool.”
Chris McGlyn said: “Excellent project. All the more reason for Southport to add a world-class ‘Solid Surf’ Skatepark, to compliment the new watersports centre.”
Steve Mitchell said: “I drove past the Pontins Sands Toad Hall Lido area today.
“I know I keep mentioning it but if the likes of Haven holidays could get hold of that whole area and regenerate it, it would be an awesome site and possibly their flagship site.
“Liverpool up the road, Southport, Formby pine wood etc. Just amazing.”