Stand Up For Southport Exciting changes in
SOUTHPORT has lots to look forward to in 2022! Here are some of the many new developments you will be able to see changing the Southport skyline this year – with some very exciting new additions.
Many millions of pounds have already been earmarked for a number of eye-catching schemes, which will create hundreds of new jobs and attract huge numbers of additional visitors into our town.
One of the mouthwatering aspects is that this is only January, and these are just the schemes we know about already – if you know of any others, please let me know!
Behind-the-scenes discussions are also taking place about other sites which will be revealed down the line, while we are intrigued to hear more about what the new owners have planned for the former Mecca Bingo /Garrick Theatre site, the former Debenhams site and others.
This is on the back of a successful 2021 which saw arrivals such as: the opening of the new Beales department store; the transformation of Southport Market into a new food, drink and events venue; a ‘boulevard of light’ with 300,000 new lights along Lord Street; and more besides.
Last year also saw Southport Town Deal attracting £38.5m in Government investment, with ambitions for a £70m new Marine Lake Events Centre and a new light show in Marine Lake among schemes due to be developed as a result, although 2022 will be too early to see those become a reality.
Southport Cove, which will see a world class surf resort and four star hotel built on Princes Park in Southport in a £40m scheme, are also a couple of years away from fruition, as are ambitious proposals to redevelop The Waterfront area next to Bliss Hotel.
Victoria Park in Southport continue to develop a series of exciting new events in addition to its iconic Southport Flower Show, complementing established Sefton council tourism events such as Southport Air Show, in a further boost to the local economy.
Here’s what we can see happening in 2022:
1. Grand Casino building
The Grand Casino building on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media Building work has begun to transform the former Grand Casino building on Lord Street, creating 100 new jobs.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, which has already invested millions of pounds in Southport, is behind the ambitious scheme to create an iconic new five star hotel, wedding venue, brewery and a fun themed bar.
This scheme is already acting as a catalyst for further investment in the area with quality new independents such as House Of Ivy opening nearby and more to come – watch this space.
2. The Big Wheel, Southport
Southport will soon boast an impressive, illuminated observation wheel with “breathtaking views” across the coast.
The 34-metre high wheel will be the highest accessible vantage-point near the seafront and will offer long-ranging, widevista views to passengers in its series of fully accessible six-person glass pods.
It is among a number of exciting new schemes currently being put into place at Southport Pleasureland.
The attraction continues to progress longer term plans to build a new roller coaster while also developing plans for an internationally recognised, branded visitor attraction as part of a £50 million project.
The Big Wheel plans were submitted to Sefton Council by Universal Rides, owned by Norman Wallis, who said: “The wheel is a real show-stopper and I think the town deserves a landmark feature of this calibre. We believe it will be incredibly popular”
3. Techedia
A major theme this year is diversification of Southport’s economy from tourism-based to a flourishing digital, creative and tech sector, adding to already established firms such as Fallen Planet and Immersive Interactive.
Last year building work began to transform the historic Cloisters building on Corporations Street, formerly Christ Church School (later Taskers Sports), into the new Techedia HQ.
The £1m scheme will create an estimated 75 new jobs.
Tech entrepreneur Matthew Townson is leading the scheme to convert the site into two units – one for a new health and wellbeing centre, and the other to house Mr Townson’s Techedia firm.
Techedia specialises in IT in the professional services sector.
Mr Townson said: “We are keen to attract local people to work in the building and perhaps more importantly retain that talent, which in the past has moved elsewhere, as well as help fuel the local economy.” 4.Viking-themed Adventure Golf
Southport Pleasureland has revealed plans for an exciting new Viking themed attraction.
Visitors will love the new Viking-themed golf and its associated ‘longhouse’ themed pub/eatery, and dedicated parking.
People will be able to enjoy a circular outdoor barbecue area with a ‘firepit’ in the centre of the building with terraced seating around a feature fire.
Construction is taking place. currently
5. Southport Enterprise Arcade
Southport’s new £1.5m Enterprise Arcade will further develop a new Creative, Digital and Tech led district in Southport town centre.
Our town’s first ever purpose-built workspace for start-up businesses will be situated in Crown Buildings on Eastbank Street.
Sefton Council wants to create a high tech, collaborative and affordable workspace for small businesses.
The ambition is to diversify Southport’s economy, provide a greater number of skilled jobs, and create more opportunities to allow young people to stay in their home town.
The project will utilise upper floors which were previously occupied by the council, as well as The Gallary cafe bar and grill and the former Friend Mobile shop on the ground floor.
The project is being made possible through £1.5million funding through Southport Town Deal.
6. Wetherspoon Hotel
Expect more quality new hotel rooms arriving in Southport during this year and over the next few years, as the staycation boom continues and as our resort develops plans to attract new visitors.
Building work is currently taking place to create a brand new Wetherspoon hotel above one of the chain’s pubs in Southport town centre.
The hotel is being created in the historic fourstorey Pavilion Buildings on the corner of Lord Street and Coronation Walk, above the existing Wetherspoon Sir Henry Segrave pub.
It will see the creation of 28 new en-suite bedrooms. 7. Prestige Stay Apart Hotel
More accommodation is being created inside the former BHS building on Chapel Street.
Sefton Council has already approved plans for the conversion of the ground floor of the site into three shop units facing Chapel Street, the Hugo Lounge cafe and a pub.
Work will now turn towards creating 30 new Prestige Stay apart hotel rooms on the first, second, third and fourth floors.
On the top will be a stunning roof terrace.
The building had been empty since BHS was one of the chain’s 164 stores which controversially went into administration in April 2016, resulting in the loss of 11,000 jobs nationwide, and had been empty since then.