A consultation has opened today (Thursday 26th May 2022) seeking people’s views on proposals for a brand new Marine Lake Events Centre and accompanying Water and Light Show dubbed ‘The Light Fantastic’ in Southport.
People have until Friday 10th June 2022 to submit their views on the £75million proposals which are designed to replace the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, which closed in March 2020.
As well as completing the survey, you are also welcome to attend the following consultation events, which will be held:
- Friday 27th May 2022 11am – 6pm at Southport Market
- Saturday 28th May 2022 11am – 3pm at Southport Market
You can attend the Southport Market events at your leisure. Details of the proposals will be on display at the events and members of the team will be available to answer questions.
Sefton Council is preparing a planning application for a first class entertainment and business events venue, along with a new visitor attraction that will attract an estimated 455,000 visitors each year, provide trade for the town’s businesses including in the town centre and provide a venue that will better serve the local community.
The proposed Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) will provide a state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment space and a flexible conference and exhibition centre.
It will also include a café and signature restaurant, providing facilities for both visitors and the community alike.
The Water and Light Show will be an attraction that is unique and the first of its kind in the UK. Designed to set Southport apart from other seaside towns, the show will attract thousands of additional visitors to the town each year, boosting spending in the town.
People can share your views online here: yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport/
You can also email: contact@southportmlec.info
Or call freephone 0808 168 8296
The MLEC and Water and Light Show forms part of the Southport Town Deal which secured £38.5million in Government funding in 2021.
The project is also being funded with support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Sefton Council.
It follows a ‘whole town’ consultation on the Town Deal in 2020, which Stand Up For Southport played a part in, which attracted over 7,500 responses.
The need for investment in Southport Theatre and Convention Centre was something that many people wanted to see and the “Big Idea” to animate the Marine Lake was widely welcomed.
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