The ambition to deliver a nature-led vision for the Ainsdale gateway in Southport is moving at pace, with early works expected to start as soon as the spring.
Since publishing the Vision in the autumn, Sefton Council has progressed an agreement for the redevelopment of The Sands, progressed plans for the demolition of Toad Hall to enable temporary surface car parking, and set out an approach to progressing the future of the Pontins site that recognises both its importance to the EcoVision and the need for investment to realise a world class, nature aligned destination.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:
“We know how important it is to the local communities to do something with these sites, which is why we are looking to make progress at pace now the vision is in place.
“Ainsdale Gateway has enormous potential, and we are determined to move forward in a way that supports the local economy and experience for visitors but also protects and enhances its unique natural character.
“These early steps show real momentum while laying the groundwork for long-term, nature-led investment.”
The activity taking place over the next few months will include:
- Undertaking an ecology survey ahead of starting the demolition of Toad Hall to create additional parking for visitors – demolition expected to start in the spring while planning permission is sought for the car park
- Signing the lease with a new purchaser for The Sands pub site, with an agreement on the lease expected to be completed early this year
- Seeking market input upon how the former Pontins site could form part of a wider transformation of the Ainsdale Gateway into a world-class visitor attraction – in the meantime discussions will continue with the lease holder as to what their plans are for the site
“It’s really exciting to see work starting to happen, said Cllr Lappin.
“We’re all fed up of looking at the derelict, fenced-off sites, and while we get on with what we can we’ll continue to put pressure on Britannia to tell the local community what they would propose for the future of the site.
“In the interim we’ll do some market testing to see what ideas potential investors may have for the site alongside the wider coastal gateway if the current leaseholders aren’t interested in doing something of benefit for the local community.”
The update on next steps will be going to Sefton Council’s January cabinet meeting.
For more information, including FAQs, visit: sefton.gov.uk/ainsdale-nature-led-regeneration/
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