The former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC) is due to be demolished in March next year.
The facility is due to make way for the brand new £73million Marine Lake Events Centre, which will be constructed on the same site.
The ambitious scheme includes the UK’s first lakeside sound and light show in the Marine Lake in front of the centre.
The STCC has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic struck the UK in March 2020, and was deemed unfit for purpose due to an extensive catalogue of building defects.
Southport Theatre was officially opened by Hollywood legend Marlene Dietrich in May 1973, while the Floral Hall inside the building was opened in 1932.
Some of the historic features from both will be included inside the new Marine Lake Events Centre, which is forecast to attract an estimated 515,000 visitors to Southport every year, providing a huge boost to local hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, bars and other local businesses.
The new centre is the central project of the Southport Town Deal initiative, with £33.3m of the £38.5m allocated by the Government committed to the scheme.
On Friday (14th october 2022), the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is due to commit an additional £17.7m to the project, adding to the £2.3m already committed by the LCRCA to pre-development work.
In a joint report to the meeting, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and The Third Sector Cllr Janette Williamson and Executive Director (Investment and Delivery) Dr Aileen Jones said:
“The priority project is a comprehensive redevelopment of the existing Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, which has substantial technical and operational constraints, as well as being in poor physical condition, and has been closed since 2020.
“Sefton Council commissioned a feasibility study to consider the potential options for the future development of STCC. The vision of the study was: ‘to transform the STCC into a high quality, distinctive entertainment and business events venue capable of providing exceptional experiences to audiences and users. It will be an anchor for the Waterfront, retaining and attracting visitors and driving economic improvement for Southport’.
“The optimum option is for a new venue with:
- 1,200 seated capacity (1,500 seated and standing) theatre / events auditorium
- 1,500 sqm sub divisible exhibition hall
- Meeting and seminar rooms with capacity for up to 1,000 delegates
- Event catering, hospitality and VIP facilities
- Waterfront food pop-up infrastructure
- The UK’s first lakeside sound and light show.
“The project team has commenced procurement processes for the appointment of a main contractor under a two-stage design and build route. An appointment is expected in December 2022 with a start on site for demolition in March 2023.
“The redevelopment of Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is of strategic importance for the Liverpool City Region.
“It will enhance the business and leisure visitor economy both within Southport and more widely across the City Region; act as a catalyst for additional private sector investment in the town; provide job growth and business opportunities; and provide a valuable cultural and place making improvement for the community.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“This is the beginning of a new chapter in Southport’s story – and I for one cannot wait to see what the future has in store!”
Councillor Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:
“As the largest investment project included within the Southport Town Deal, the Marine Lake Events Centre will provide Southport with an incredible events space with state-of-the-art facilities to attract a wide range of different types of entertainment events and audiences to Southport.”
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