One of Southport’s biggest employers say they are “delighted” that planning permission has been secured for their new £9 million headquarters in the town.
EFT Group has now secured planning approval for the development at Southport Business Park, marking another significant milestone in the project that has been supported by Sefton Council.
Owners say “our ambition is to begin construction in 2027” although no start date has yet been confirmed.
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The substantial investment will see a long-vacant site on Wight Moss Way in Southport transformed into a modern base for the growing business, incorporating office, training and light industrial facilities.
EFT Group, a rapidly growing family business, is currently based on Cobden Road.
An EFT Group spokesperson said:
“We’re delighted to announce that planning approval has been secured for our new headquarters at Southport Business Park!
“The proposed development on Wight Moss Way will create a modern home for EFT, featuring:
- Modern offices, meeting rooms and quieter working spaces
- Dedicated training facilities for apprentices, engineers and colleagues across the Group
- Dining and breakout areas, a gym and an outdoor terrace
- Welcoming spaces to bring together our teams, clients and partners
- Potential community space to support local NHS and healthcare providers and our charity partners
“As a family business with proud Southport roots, this is an exciting step towards our next chapter, creating opportunities for our people, future generations and the wider community!
“So, what happens next?
“While planning approval is a significant milestone, there are still challenges to work through before the project can be delivered.
“Our ambition is to begin construction in 2027, although there is no confirmed move date yet.
“We’ll continue to share updates, images and practical details as plans progress, keeping our colleagues informed through Fired Up, EFT Podcasts and team updates. Our Your Voice at EFT steering group will also be closely involved, helping colleagues ask questions, share ideas and prepare for the future.
“For now, we’re celebrating this fantastic milestone and looking forward to the next chapter of EFT Group.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has helped bring us to this point, and to Sefton Council for their continued support.”
The project is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between the Council and private sector businesses to help to unlock development and regeneration opportunities, as well as encourage long-term investment in Southport.
EFT Group, which specialises in life safety, security and construction services, has continued to expand in recent years all while maintaining its commitment to their home town.
Working closely with the EFT directors, Sefton Council’s Business and Regeneration teams have helped progress proposals to bring the previously undeveloped land into use.
The site, which has remained vacant for more than a decade, has historically presented significant development challenges including difficult ground conditions.
However, through sustained partnership working detailed progress has been made on land arrangements, development proposals and potential funding support, helping create the ideal conditions for the expansion to become a reality.
The project is also the subject of a live funding bid to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which would help unlock the next phase of delivery.
The development has also been supported by a Section 106 contribution linked to Aldi’s investment in Southport, helping unlock the delivery of new employment space at Southport Business Park and demonstrating how investment from the private sector can be reinvested to support further business growth, jobs and opportunities in the town.
The scheme is also expected to support local employment and skills opportunities, building on EFT Group‘s existing commitment to apprenticeships and developing the next generation of workers.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Southport and another clear demonstration of the confidence that the private sector has in Sefton’s economic future.
“What makes this development particularly significant is the robust partnership behind it. By working closely with EFT our officers have helped overcome longstanding challenges that the site has faced.
“This is exactly the kind of positive collaboration we want to encourage across Sefton for the benefit of our residents.
“We are determined to keep building on that momentum and support anyone who shares our ambition for the Borough.”
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