Tenders for the construction of the brand new £75 million Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport have now been received by Sefton Council, which is in the process of evaluating the best one.
Once complete the ambitious new project is forecast to attract 515,000 additional visitors to Southport every year and pump in £18 million for the local economy as well as creating 300 new jobs.
No suggested completion date has yet been set, with the council waiting to work with the chosen contractor on agreeing a construction programme and a date when the scheme will be delivered.
Demolition work on the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre will begin later this year.
At the full Sefton Council meeting, Southport councillor Mike Sammon asked: “In June yourself and council officers responded to my emails on the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) contract and demolition of the Floral Hall in Southport.
“I was advised that the procurement process is still live, expected to be finalised in July with an aim for the work to start on the new development in 2025.
“I was informed that Sefton Council are not holding off the demolition until a contract signed to build the MLEC. Therefore, I am concerned that we could be left with an unsightly empty building site, for potentially years if a contract cannot be agreed for the build, or if there are delays in the commencement or completion of works.
“Can you update me on the stage we are at with the procurement process and if there is a practical completion date being negotiated?”
Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills and Deputy Leader Councillor Lappin said: “Tender submissions for the main contract have been received and evaluation is ongoing. Work on site is ongoing, and demolition activity will commence later this year with the appointed demolition contractor. This is intended to enable quicker progression of the new build works with the main contractor. Finalisation of the main contractor procurement process will provide an updated construction programme and target practical completion date”.
The Marine Lake Events Centre will be accompanied by a spectacular new ‘Light Fantastic’ animation on the Marine Lake.
The £75 million initiative is the central project of Southport Town Deal.
It will be paid for through £33.3million Town Deal funding; £20 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; and £19.9 million in prudential borrowing by Sefton Council.
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