The main contractor for the construction of the new £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport is in the process of being appointed.
Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is continuing at pace, in preparation for clearing the site ready for construction work to begin. The demolition is due to be completed in 2025.
The new MLEC, a project being led by Sefton Council, would be accompanied by a ‘Light Fantastic’ water and light attraction in the Marine Lake, the only one of its kind in the UK.
The scheme is being funded through £33.3 million in Southport Town Deal funding; £20 million through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; and £19.9 million in prudential borrowing by Sefton Council.
A Sefton Council report said: “The demolition contractor DSM has been on site since July 2024.
“They commenced with soft strip out and asbestos removal and are now moving on to major demolition.
“DSM will also be responsible for the works on the party wall to disconnect from the hotel.
“Works are due to be completed in 2025.
“Over the last few months, the procurement process to appoint a main contractor has been progressing and the preferred contractor, pending legals, is in the process of being appointed.
“As part of the MLEC Project and leading on Social Value alongside Project Management Consultants Gardiner & Theobald we continue to engage with several sectors of the community with various initiatives and events.”
Prior to the demolition, a number of historical heritage items were removed from the former Southport Theatre site.
They are now being held in safe storage and will be incorporated into the future MLEC site for public viewing.
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