Exclusive interview by Andrew Brown, Stand Up For Southport
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Southport.
Millions of pounds in both public and private money is being invested in regenerating a variety of sites throughout the town, with major schemes seeing progress including the Marine Lake Events Centre, Southport Enterprise Arcade, The Cove Resort, The Grand, The Garrick and more.
Some are being led by Sefton Council and others by major investors who see a bright future for Southport.
The catalyst for some of the substantial spending was the successful submission for Town Deal funding from the Government, with Southport’s £37.5million allocation the second highest awarded in the UK in that particular round of funding. Further money is being allocated by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and by Sefton Council.
While there are many things to look forward to, many people locally all have one burning question in mind – what is the future for Southport Pier, which has now been closed since last December?
As we look forward to the new year, we put forward some of the big questions to Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills. Here’s what she has to say:
1 – The hoardings are up and the project to create the new Marine Lake Events Centre and Light Fantastic in Southport has now begun. What will this new project bring to Southport and what can we expect to see in 2024?
An artist’s impression of the new Marine lake Events Centre in Southport
“The Marine Lake Events Centre and accompanying Water & Light Show is the cornerstone of our fantastic, shared vision for the future of Southport’s waterfront and tourism economy becoming a reality.
“By attracting more than 500,000 additional visitors to Southport year on year and generating an extra £18 million for the local economy annually, the Events Centre and accompanying Light Show will be transformational for the town.
“It is expected to also create countless jobs both at the venue and for the surrounding hospitality sector.
“Already we have seen the private sector sit up and pay full attention to the great work we are doing here and it is beginning to drive investment to the borough.
“The creation of the Marine Lake Events Centre was a vital part of the existing Cove Resort project picking Southport as the location for their development.
“The main works begin in 2024. All of this will be complemented by a spectacular water and light show on the Marine Lake, the first of its kind in the UK.
“We are delighted at the overwhelming support and excitement that the Marine Lake Events Centre has generated, and we look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this brilliant project.”
2 – Southport Market has celebrated its second birthday with a record number of visitors and a Sefton Design Award. How pleased are you with the Market’s success? How important was this in demonstrating that Sefton can successfully deliver a significant project with regional and government funding?
The first birthday celebrations at Southport Market. Photo by Mark Shirley
“Southport Market continues to go from strength to strength but this is no surprise. Prior to us launching this spectacular food and drink venue in 2021 our dedicated and hard working officers put a huge amount of time into due diligence, market research and other factors to make sure this was the right step for Southport and Sefton.
“There is no need to take my word for it however as the numbers speak for themselves with around half a million dishes sold and dozens of fantastic events regularly selling out our bespoke Extravaganza space.”
3 – Sefton Council is due to carry out public realm work to improve Southport Market Quarter in 2024. A private developer has also bought the former McDonald’s building. What are your thoughts on the regeneration of this part of Southport?
The former McDonalds building in Southport town centre. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“The work Sefton Council has delivered in the borough in recent years speaks for itself and we have built up a number of destinations across Sefton which are becoming increasingly attractive to private sector investment to compliment the hard work of our officers.
“Furthermore these public realm improvements will be of major benefit to those surrounding existing businesses who have already seen a considerable upturn in business since the creation of the new Southport Market.
“Local businesses were one of the key voices when we first approached the idea of public realm improvements around this quarter and they have had a direct say in what can and should be done within the resources available to best benefit them in the long term.”
4 – Southport Enterprise Arcade is a project with huge potential. What can we expect to see in 2024?
An artist’s impression of The Enterprise Arcade on Eastbank Street in Southport
“By providing refurbished office workspaces for start-up, growing SMEs and co-working space for creative and digital tech businesses, the Enterprise Arcade will be a catalyst for creating a new digital eco-system in Southport town centre.
“Locating the new Enterprise Arcade in the Crown Buildings will enable us to breathe new life into currently unused town centre buildings and by managing the project in-house, we can ensure it delivers best value for Southport, its economy and its young entrepreneurs, in line with the Town Deal Funding objectives.
“Already we have seen occupier interest from various businesses who share our passion and thinking towards developing this sector within the town and we will be progressing this project with on-site works in 2024.
“I’m looking forward to sharing more updates about the Enterprise Arcade project early in the new year.”
5 – Sefton Council councillors and officers have been working hard behind the scenes to progress the redevelopment of the former BHS building on Chapel Street in Southport. What are your hopes for this site in 2024?
Chapel Street in Southport town centre in May 2011. BHS
“Cambridge Arcade is a fantastic asset in the heart of Southport Town Centre but, like many well-used historic locations, we saw that it was in need of some refurbishments and works are ongoing.
“The Arcade’s canopy was the focus of our initial attention and we have been undertaking significant works to address issues such as leaks and damaged glazing.
“As we have previously stated the BHS is not owned by the Council, but we are in continued dialogue with the owners given the physical connection to the arcade and the current condition of their property.”
6 – The Victoria building / Victoria baths building on the Promenade has seen Sefton Council spend money this year to revamp the site and get it ready for market. Has there been much interest so far? What would you like to see it become? Has the new Marine Lake Events Centre nearby raised interest levels?
Victoria Buildings in Southport
“Victoria Baths is a significant investment opportunity and the ongoing work to create the Marine Lake Events Centre will no doubt contribute heavily to more interest in the potential that Victoria Baths has to offer.
“I am confident that a suitable developer will be identified soon.”
7 – The huge regeneration works in Southport are attracting some significant private investment with the likes of Cove Resort Southport, Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group’s transformation of the Northern Quarter, Craft & Sons’ work on Lord Street, work at The Garrick, new attractions at Southport Pleasureland etc. Are you encouraged by the confidence shown by private investors? Do you see an opportunity for more to invest in Southport?
The Grand Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“We have seen a great deal of investment in Southport and Sefton in recent years, despite continued economic pressures across the entire borough, and we are delighted that we can be the catalyst for significant private sector investment and development.
“Throughout our diligent and proactive work with private sector investment like what we are seeing with the Mikhail Group and the teams behind the Garrick and Cove Resort, we have sought to build strong long term relationships that seek to encourage that much-needed private investment while continuing to protect and do right by our fabulous built assets.
“Not only have we established and built upon existing relationships with flourishing businesses in the borough but we also continue to actively seek new and exciting investment possibilities with new partners provided it is all for the benefit of our communities and visitors.
“Sefton is a borough that is ripe with untapped potential and countless opportunities that the private sector can help to unlock and long may that continue.”
8 – Positive things are happening in Ainsdale, with the ongoing Ainsdale Gateway. What can Ainsdale expect in 2024?
Artist Paul Curtis next to his mural at Toad Hall in Ainsdale in Southport
“Following conversations with residents, community groups and others, we announced earlier this year that it would be looking to develop an updated vision for the coastal gateway in response to the feedback received.
“As part of this process, the Council has appointed a specialist planning and development consultancy to undertake a feasibility study for the coastal gateway. The consultant, Turley, will look at all assets at the site, including The Sands, Toad Hall, Council operational bases, and options for their development.
“The document, which we expect to be available in early 2024, will enable the Council to determine realistic and deliverable options for the gateway and fulfil the wider vision for Ainsdale and we will update residents in due course.”
9 – The Atkinson is celebrating its 10th birthday since a £24 million transformation led by Sefton Council. What have you enjoyed most at The Atkinson in the past 10 years?
The Atkinson and Southport Town Hall were lit up purple to highlight Craniosynostosis Awareness Month, inspired by Southport schoolboy Eden Barbé. Eden was joined at the event by sister Ebony, Mum Jenny, Southport MP Damien Moore and other supporters. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“As a proud representative of Molyneux Ward, which covers parts of Maghull and Aintree, it has to be the permanent Frank Hornby exhibit which proudly showcases the ingenuity, engineering talent and innovation of Mr Hornby. From Meccano to Hornby trains his legacy speaks for itself and even to this day there will be children – and even some adults – across Sefton excitedly playing with Hornby creations that they have been gifted this Christmas.
“It’s on the second floor of the Atkinson and is a must see for anyone visiting.”
10 – Is there anything else coming up in Southport in 2024 that you are particularly excited about?
Crowds at Southport Air Show with Ocean Plaza Leisure in the background.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“2024 is an exciting time for Sefton, not just Southport and the beauty of our borough is that it is readily and easily accessible for people to explore and enjoy. There is plenty to see, do and enjoy and we have a wealth of fabulous events from the Food & Drink Festival to Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Championship. Plus we are delighted that Sir Tom Jones will be performing at our amazing Salt & Tar Weekender in Bootle in the Summer. It’s not unusual to find many things to enjoy in Sefton next year!
“Away from the jaw dropping and mouth watering events our officers continue to be hard at work delivering on our programme of growth and investment.
“Sefton’s Growth and Strategic Investment Programme is a group of projects that aim to improve the Borough for people who live, work and visit the area.
“Sefton is a diverse Borough with residents and businesses that have different personal needs. “The purpose of the programme is to meet these different needs by including a variety of projects. These needs may be financial, social or environmental, and the projects have been designed to meet each of these.
“As well as supporting Sefton residents and visitors, the programme aims to attract further private sector investment and opportunities, allowing for more projects to be created in the future.”
11 – What is your focus for Southport Pier for 2024?
Southport Pier in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
“Our focus is on identifying and securing the funding necessary to refurbish Southport Pier.
“Both surveys together explain in great detail the necessary works required and the need for continued safety for all.
“We’re pleased that extensive exploratory and investigative works have begun.
“This phase of the project is expected to last until mid-February 2024 and see a significant section of the Pier’s damaged decking removed as well as further assessments of the integrity of both the Pier’s cast iron columns and steel structure.”
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