From gardens revamp
celebration which is very positive for Southport.
“It is good to see the investment coming in and being recognised.”
The investment was a great catalyst for better things to come in an area that had suffered badly.
Urban Splash had earmarked
Princes Park for an ambitious redevelopment scheme, but subsequently abandoned the proposals and walked away quietly.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach had suddenly shut Southport Pleasureland, smashing historic rides such as the Cyclone roller coaster and removing some others to Blackpool, leaving scores of local people out of work.
The Kings Gardens renovation was the start of Southport’s fightback.
Today, the area around Marine Lake is the focus of tens of millions of pounds in new investment.
Southport Pleasureland is now owned by local businessman Norman Wallis, who has invested heavily into making it one of the North West’s premier attractions.
Last year alone he opened the new Big Wheel Southport observation wheel, the Alpine Village and the Viking Golf facility. More new attractions are planned this year.
Town Deal funding is supporting Sefton Council with its creation of the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre with a Light Fantastic water and light show on the lake in front of it.
The £75 million Cove Resort will bring an outdoor leisure lagoon, a four star hotel and a thermal spa to Princes Park.
The area will be one of the most desirable places to be in the region within the next five years.
And it all began with the careful restoration of a much-loved Victorian park that we all watched with curiosity nine years ago.