More than £17m is to be invested into the development of a new multi-purpose events centre in Southport.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is to provide vital funding to Sefton Council to build the new Marine Lake Events Centre, which includes a 1,500 capacity theatre as well as exhibition and conference facilities. The cash injection from the city region’s strategic investment fund will help provide a new facility to replace the existing Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which closed in 2020.
The convention centre has substantial technical and operational constraints, as well as being in poor physical condition. A feasibility study to consider the potential options for the future development of the site found the “optimum option” was a new venue that will act as an anchor for the Southport waterfront.
READ MORE: 'True blue' dad collapsed in road and was then hit by car
The latest round of funding, which is on top of an existing commitment by the combined authority of £2.3m for pre-development work, is expected to be signed off by members when it meets next Friday. The project is expected to cost a total of around £73m, with £33m being secured by Sefton Council through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Towns Fund.
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. While we’re incredibly proud of the town’s history and heritage, I firmly believe that Southport’s best days still lie ahead.
“Building on its legacy as a tourist town, I want to ensure that Southport can continue to thrive and attract visitors for many years to come. Thanks to devolution, we’re committing significant investments into projects across our region, like the new Marine Lake Events Centre, that will give a big boost to local businesses and creating good quality, secure jobs.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter in Southport’s story – and I for one cannot wait to see what the future has in store.” The local authority has formally approved borrowing of £20m for the development of the new venue and are continuing to explore options for additional grant funding.
The combined authority said the development of the new centre will “underpin the growth of the business and leisure visitor economy in Southport, one of the key economic sectors of the borough. The project is forecast to have a significant economic impact, supporting Southport’s weekday and out of season economy and providing more opportunities for secure and varied employment.”
Around 200 jobs could also be created as a direct result, it is claimed. A planning application has been made by Sefton Council with a decision expected to be made by the end of the year.
An appointment of a contractor is likely to be completed by December, with demolition of the existing centre scheduled for March next year. Cllr Ian Maher, leader of Sefton Council, said: “As the largest investment project included within the Southport Town Deal, the Marine Lake Events Centre will provide Southport with an incredible events space with state-of-the-art facilities to attract a wide range of different types of entertainment events and audiences to Southport.
“We believe that attractions such as this will create a genuinely unique visitor experience and will only serve to strengthen our visitor economy.”
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT
Bank holiday for Christmas Day moved from December 25
Thomas Cook passenger 'had one pint of lager' before causing flight chaos
Moment thugs 'ram raid' jewellery store as shoppers watch on
Daughters devastated after tragic dad given ten times medication dose
Face of kidnapper who was stabbed after abducting 12-year-old bo y
