Exciting new images show how Southport’s Town Hall Gardens could look after it’s transformed into a vibrant botanical garden and performance space.
The artistic renditions have been unveiled as part of the second stage of Sefton Council’s consultation into the regeneration of the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street, which begins today (Monday 21st September 2026).
A £10 million regeneration project for the site was announced after the gardens became a key focal point for the community since the tragic events of July 2024.
Funded by Central Government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Sefton Council, the regeneration of the gardens is the shared hope of the families of Alice Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Stancombe as their way of saying ‘thank you’ to the town who support those directly impacted throughout an unimaginably difficult time.
Now Sefton Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on the transformation, which aims to create a welcoming, accessible and safe multi-use space for families, children and the wider community.
The current proposals have been shaped by feedback received during the first stage of consultation which took place in late 2025, and reflect Southport’s distinctive history, coastal landscape and horticultural heritage.
Four connected character areas feature within the designs:
– The Performance Plaza
– The Mega Ripples
– Celebration Dunes
– The Botanical Garden.
Combined they would provide flexible space for performances and community events, opportunities for play and relaxation, new planting and improved biodiversity, as well as improved accessible routes through the gardens. Each is intended to reflect some of the very best characteristics of Southport and the Sefton coast.
People are now being asked to comment on the designs before the Council moves towards submitting a planning application. Feedback from the consultation will be reviewed and will help guide the final proposals.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:
“These updated images bring to life our shared ambitions of creating a beautiful, welcoming and community focussed space in the heart of Southport.
“Southport’s Town Hall Gardens has worn many different looks over the decades but has always been a vital space for Sandgrounders to gather. With this latest regeneration we want to ensure that local people feel it belongs to them, for them.
“It should be a safe and inclusive place where families can spend time together, children can play and our communities can come together for performances, events and celebrations.
“This is a heartfelt thank you to the people of Southport for their solidarity over the last two years. We want the new look Gardens to not only capture the history, character and spirit of the town, but also create something special for future generations.
“The presence of water features was one of the biggest recurring themes from the stage one consultation, which is why we’re proposing the ‘Mega Ripples’ – linked to the town’s historic Sea Bathing Lake and importance as a hydrotherapy resort in decades gone by.
“Southport’s rich theatre and cinema legacy will be reflected in the Performance Space, while the Celebration Dunes are a not-so-subtle nod to the stunning ecologically rich dunescapes of Birkdale and Ainsdale.
“People also wanted to protect and enhance the gardens’ greenspace which is why we’re ensuring there are more trees and planting opportunities than ever before with the new Botanical Garden.
“Clearly the first stage of consultation helped us understand what people value and want to see from the gardens. We are now asking everyone to look at the emerging designs and tell us what they think before the proposals move towards the planning stage.”
Secretary of State for Communities, Angela Rayner, said:
“The people of Southport have shown the very best of community: immeasurable strength, compassion and togetherness through an unimaginably difficult time.
“These gardens have been at the heart of the community’s efforts to rebuild and reconnect, while honouring and remembering Alice, Bebe and Elsie, and all survivors, with love and solidarity across the town.
“These plans will help protect that spirit for generations to come, ensuring the gardens remain a special place for children and families in the local community to enjoy.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:
“Southport has shown incredible strength and solidarity over the last two years, and the Town Hall Gardens have become a place where that spirit is felt every day.
“These plans give us the opportunity to create something that reflects the character of Southport and gives people a beautiful, welcoming place to come together for generations to come.
“I’m really pleased that, along with our partners, we in the Combined Authority have been able to play our part in making this vision a reality, and I’d encourage everyone in Southport to have their say on the proposals.”
The designs also consider factors such as accessibility, visibility and security. New planting and opportunities for community gardening and work with local schools would celebrate Southport’s botanical identity while supporting nature and long-term stewardship of the space.
Following the end of the consultation in September, all responses will be analysed and a summary of the findings will be published. The design team will then consider whether changes are required before the proposals are finalised for a planning application.
Any future construction timetable would remain subject to consultation feedback, planning approval, technical development and the necessary procurement processes.
The consultation is open until Monday 5th October 2026 and people can view the designs and complete the consultation via www.yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk
Alternatively you can give your views over the phone via 0800 080 3263 or in writing to ‘FreePost DEVCOMMS’
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