Preparation work is taking place ahead of the new £73 million Marine Lane Events Centre in Southport.
Initial site works are getting underway to demolish the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, which has been closed and in a poor state of repair since March 2020.
Once open, the new Marine Lake Events Centre is forecast to attract over 515,000 additional visitors to Southport every year and give an £18 million boost to the local economy.
The scheme also includes a new water and light show on the Marin Lake in front of the MLEC building.
A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “Within the existing project hoarding, you might start to see some activities and deliveries from our Contractor to site over the coming week (from 24th June 2024).
“This is to enable the project team to gear up for the demolition works to start on site.
“The team will be delivering welfare units to ensure the site is set up in readiness for the demolition works to commence.
“Keep an eye out for further updates and progress photos.”
Earlier this year, Sefton Council selected specialist demolition company, the DSM Group, to carry out the destruction of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
This milestone follows on from significant preparatory works involving the creation of a bespoke bird raft for any disturbed wildlife and the diversion of underground pipework away from site, which was completed significantly ahead of schedule by contractors Dowhigh.
Sefton Council has previously announced the securing of ASM Global, which will manage the £73 million venue on the resort’s promenade.
When completed the Marine Lake Events Centre will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues around the world, which collectively host a jaw dropping 20,000 events across sports, music, entertainment and business every year.
Iconic venues in ASM’s portfolio already include the AO Arena in Manchester, The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and Soldier Field in Chicago.
With vital demolition work on the horizon Andrew Fletcher, Managing Director of the DSM Group, said he is eager to work with nearby residents and businesses to keep disruption to a minimum.
Andrew said: “DSM are delighted to be overseeing the demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
“We have been able to work closely with Sefton Council and they were impressed with our plans and suggestions to mitigate any disruption to the community, which is a clear priority for the Council.
“This appointment reaffirms our position as a trusted partner in delivering exceptional solutions and underscores the dedication of our team to exceed expectations. We look forward to getting started and being part of the creation of the Marine Lake Events Centre .”
DSM will contact residents prior to the main demolition works commencing to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum, with ongoing communications and engagement throughout the works.
Phil Porter, Chief Executive of Sefton Council, said: “The Marine Lake Events Centre is going to be managed by one of the most experienced companies in the world, bringing more than half a million new visitors to Southport each year and generating an annual £18 million boost for the local economy.
“At every stage so far we have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes identifying and appointing the most experienced partners to help us achieve our aspirations and I am delighted that DSM Group will oversee the demolition and enabling works.”
Ahead of the demolition a number of culturally important items have been salvaged from the former theatre building, including historic projectors, which will be persevered and will be put on display inside the new Marine Lake Events Centre.
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