Public urged to have say on marine events centre
Consultation sessions are online, via telephone and in person
THESE striking new images show how the new Southport Marine Lake Events Centre and accompanying Water and Light Show could look.
Local people and local businesses are now being asked what they think of the much-anticipated plans for the new landmark, with Sefton Council launching its public consultation.
The community will shortly be invited to share their views on exciting plans for a new, state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment space and a flexible conference and business events venue and water and light show attraction, which are anticipated to greatly boost our town’s economic and tourism sectors.
The ambition is for the new centre to be open in 2025, although that would be subject to planning permissions and other factors.
The Marine Lake Events Centre is the central ambition of the Southport Town Deal initiative, which saw £38.5million Government investment last year followed by further funding through the Liverpool City Region.
The Town Deal projects are being delivered by Sefton Council.
Consultation events are being held at Southport Market in the coming weeks and a live webinar will take place to provide more information on the plans, which will be revealed when the consultation begins on Thursday, May 26.
When the consultation goes live, communities will be encouraged to have their say via an online survey at https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton. gov.uk/futuresouthport.
The consultation runs until June 10. The MLEC will replace the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which closed its doors in 2020.
The new development will provide a first class theatre space, a conference and exhibition centre able to accommodate a range of events, and a café and signature restaurant, providing facilities for both visitors and the community alike.
The plans also include a new Water and Light show installation on the Marine Lake.
Designed to set Southport apart from other seaside towns, the show is estimated to attract thousands of additional visitors to the town each year.
The project forms part of the Southport Town Deal which secured £38.5 million funding in 2021 and follows the success of Southport Market, which opened its doors last year.
The project has also secured £2.3 million funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Consultation events are being held at Southport Market on Friday, May 27 between 11am and 6pm, and Saturday, May 28 between 11am and 3pm.
Cllr Ian Maher, leader of Sefton Council, said: “The Marine Lake Events Centre is the latest fantastic opportunity for us to build on our successful bid for Town Deal funding.
“This project directly compliments the ongoing and continued investment Sefton Council makes toward improving the future of the town for our communities and visitors.
“I would encourage everyone to join in with the upcoming consultation events, either online or in person, to find out more.
“We are looking forward to hearing feedback before a planning application is submitted.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Southport holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in our city region and beyond as being a family-favourite destination for days out and holidays alike. The town has been entertaining generations of visitors for as long as it has existed.
“We want to build on that legacy and make sure that Southport can continue to thrive and attract visitors for many more years to come, giving a massive boost to local businesses and creating good quality, secure jobs.
“We are working with Sefton Council to drive the town’s revival and start a new chapter in its story. I for one cannot wait to see what the future has in store.”
A live webinar will be held at 6pm on Thursday, May 26. You can register to attend the webinar in advance at yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/ futuresouthport.
A public telephone line has also been set up via 0808 168 8296.
This is a freephone consultation hotline where people can call to speak to a member of the project team and ask any questions, as well as share any feedback.