These striking new images show how the brand new Southport Marine Lake Events Centre and accompanying Water and Light Show could look.
Local people and local businesses are now being asked what you think of the much anticipated plans for the new landmark, with Sefton Council launching its public consultation.
The community will shortly be invited to share their views on exciting plans for a new, state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment space and a flexible conference and business events venue and water and light show attraction, which are anticipated to greatly boost our town’s economic and tourism sectors.
The ambition is for the new centre to be open in 2025, although that would be subject to planning permissions and other factors.
The Marine Lake Events Centre is the central ambition of the Southport Town Deal initiative, which saw £38.5million Government investment last year followed by further funding through the Liverpool City Region. The Town Deal projects are being delivered by Sefton Council.
Consultation events are being held at Southport Market in the coming weeks and a live webinar will take place to provide more information on the plans, which will be revealed when the consultation begins on Thursday 26th May.
When the consultation goes live, communities will be encouraged to have their say via an online survey at https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport.
The consultation runs until 10th June.
The MLEC will replace the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which closed its doors in 2020.
The new development will provide a first class theatre space, a conference and exhibition centre able to accommodate a range of events, and a café and signature restaurant, providing facilities for both visitors and the community alike.
The plans also include a new Water and Light show installation on the Marine Lake.
Designed to set Southport apart from other seaside towns, the show is estimated to attract thousands of additional visitors to the town each year.
The project forms part of the Southport Town Deal which secured £38.5 million funding in 2021 and follows the success of Southport Market, which opened its doors last year.
The project has also secured £2.3 million funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Consultation events are being held at Southport Market on Friday 27th May between 11am and 6pm, and Saturday 28th May between 11am and 3pm.
Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:
“The Marine Lake Events Centre is the latest fantastic opportunity for us to build on our successful bid for Town Deal funding.
“This project directly compliments the ongoing and continued investment Sefton Council makes toward improving the future of the town for our amazing communities and visitors.
“I would encourage everyone to join in with the upcoming consultation events, either online or in person, to find out more.
“We are looking forward to hearing feedback before a planning application is submitted.”
A live webinar will also be held at 6pm on Thursday 26th May. You can register to attend the webinar in advance at https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport.
A public telephone line has also been set up via 0808 168 8296. This is a freephone consultation hotline where people can call to speak to a member of the project team and ask any questions, as well as share any feedback.
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