Volunteers at one of the North West’s most stunning parks have sent a plea for funding to Southport Town Deal.
Consultation is currently underway to create a Southport Masterplan for the future, with some ‘Big Ideas’ already proposed including an all-year, indoor leisure attraction; investment in Southport Theatre & Convention Centre; a new rail, bus and walking transport interchange; town centre regeneration; and the possible development of a “marine village” around the Marine Lake.
An appeal has now been made by volunteers at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown to bring ‘crystal clear waters’ to the lake, restore the ornamental bridges, and attract interest to the old Museum building.
People’s views are being sought online until July 20 at: https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport/
David Cobham runs the Botanic Gardens Community Association, which has won awards for its work with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
He said: “On behalf of the BGCA, I have sent in a plea for funding to clear out the Botanic Gardens Lake, fully restore the two ornamental bridges and install aerating water features.
“This work is a long time coming and is vital for the health and safety and wellbeing of the thousands of residents and tourists and the diverse wildlife that the park attracts all year round.
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“The Botanic Gardens is the only attraction that has not had major funding in recent years and has kept its floral and Fernery and Aviary elements and even public toilets improving and safe from cuts.
“This has been done with the help of volunteers and the business and public donations that they bring in.
“Southport has been left a wonderful heritage for all to enjoy in body and mind.
“The Southport Town Deal funding for this urgent work would be the saviour for the 145 year old health-giving gem.
“It would be wonderful to have non smelly crystal clear water and gleaming bridges and a fountain or two wouldn’t it, then perhaps we will attract an interest in the old Museum building.
“There are a lot of people living in our end of town.”
Ideas already suggested through Southport Town deal include infrastructure-related proposals such as rerouting through-traffic to improve road users’ experience of the landmark Lord Street, including the reconfiguration of road space to create a mile-long cycle boulevard and give more space to pedestrians. A town centre multi-storey car park has also been proposed.
The Wider Consultation runs until July 20, you can submit your ideas here.
The consultation will inform Southport’s bid for a £25m share of the Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund. A Southport Town board has been set up to lead plans, and work on attracting further funding and private investment to our town.
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