A campaign to reopen Southport Theatre and Convention Centre has passed 4,000 members in just a few days.
Lisa Kelly, who was a Front Of House Supervisor at the STCC and worked there for 20 years, said she was amazed by the huge support for one of the town’s favourite landmarks.
The Theatre and Floral Hall complex were officially opened by Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich in May 1973 but closed in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Reinvesting in Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is one of the possible schemes mentioned in the Southport Town Deal ‘Big Ideas’ with people urged to have their say over the future of Southport, before July 20, online at: https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport/
Lisa is delighted by the response to her Facebook group, Save Southport Theatre (STCC).
She said: “I am astounded as I didn’t even expect to get to 400 members!
“We have a lot of the organisers of our regular big events and conferences on board who totally support the venue and are keen to come back to Southport.
“You may also be seeing some famous faces in our group in the near future!
“I would also like to see more hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, bars etc get involved in the campaign as the reopening of Southport Theatre and Convention Centre would benefit the whole hospitality industry.
“This Facebook group is for all those who support the reopening of Southport Theatre and our lovely Floral Hall. You may be aware that we shut our doors in March and the keys were handed back to Sefton Council, which owns the building.
“As yet there have been no decisions made public on the future of the building but we want to show the council and any prospective management companies that we the ex employees, businesses and the people of Southport want to keep STCC and make it great again.
“It’s a huge asset to Southport and it’s economy and to lose it would be a huge disadvantage to the area.”
In March, Sefton Council appointed IPW to appraise long-term investment and redevelopment options for Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
IPW, a specialist sport, venues, entertainment and business events consultancy, is currently working with Sefton Council to undertake feasibility studies into the future redevelopment of the STCC.
Sefton Council recently agreed to invest around £1million to carry out essential remedial works to the venue.
STCC is already one of the UK’s largest integrated conference centres, offering 14 flexible event spaces suitable for a variety of events, an award-winning hotel and experience facilities including a 1,631-seat theatre auditorium and casino.
The Theatre has enjoyed a rich history, having hosted stellar names including The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross and The Four Tops. In more recent years, crowds at the venue have enjoyed comic talent including Peter Kay and The League of Gentlemen.
You can join the Save Southport Theatre (STCC) group on Facebook here.
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