People asked to share your views on future phases of Southport town centre improvements

Potential future phases of ‘Les Transformations de Southport’ have been revealed as local people and local businesses are being asked to say what you think. 

Southport Town Deal and Sefton Council has launched a consultation into Plase One of the ambition to improve Southport town centre, around Southport Market and the ‘Market Quarter’, Eastbank Street and Chapel Street. 

People are asked to share your views here: http://bit.ly/your-sefton-your-say 

These proposals are the first phase of a long term plan to improve the environment of the town centre and seafront area.

The Town Deal will provide the funding for the first phase and Sefton Council will be bidding for funding for the further phases of the project.       

The next phases of the project are: 

Phase 2 

Lord St/Nevill St/London St junction, Nevill Street, Nevill Street/Promenade junction – improving the links between the railway station, Lord Street and the Promenade and to the proposed new Marine Lake Events Centre

Phase 3 

Eastbank Street/Lord Street junction, Promenade, Bold Street & Bold Street/Lord Street junction – extending the Phase 1 improvements along Eastbank Street and improving the links to the proposed new Marine Lake Events Centre

Phase 4 

London Street, Lord Street – improving links to and from the railway station along London Street and enhancing the public space in the central section of Lord Street, between Eastbank Street and Nevill Street.

What do you think about the future phases of the project and the areas that are being focussed on? Share your thoughts here: http://bit.ly/your-sefton-your-say 

The survey is being carried out by Sefton Council and Southport Town Deal, with the results informing a series of changes to Southport town centre. 

The consultation is open until Friday, 18th March 2022. 

In 2020 plans were publicly revealed which would be designed to support Southport’s return to the grandeur of Victorian England, when it was the country’s second most popular tourist destination.

The project, dubbed “Les Transformations de Southport”, aims to support the town’s businesses by improving the connectivity across the whole town centre, including improved pedestrian facilities, better links to the railway station and the creation of new public spaces for hosting events.

Now a consultation has been launched for Phase One of the scheme, seeking out views about public access and how people move and travel through the town centre, as well as looking to gauge support on new public realm enhancements in the Chapel Street and Market areas.

Business owners, schools, visitors, the transport and tourism sectors are being encouraged to contribute their views alongside residents from the wider area around Southport.

People will be asked for their views on a number of areas, including:

•           Lighting and benches on Chapel Street 
•           Improving the appearance of the Southport Station Entrance
•           Changes to the Market Quarter
•           Better pedestrian provision on Eastbank Street
•           Improved street signage 
•           Future phases and areas of focus

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “The town centre is dominated by north-south movements, particularly by vehicles, and there are many competing demands for highway space which can be difficult to accommodate. 

“The post Covid-19 decline in public transport use may also create additional pressure on the highway network to accommodate private vehicles.

“Phase 1 is the beginning of our attempts to address these issues, provide infrastructure which allows for better access, along with the associated health and well-being outcomes.”

As an accountable body for the project, Sefton Council will administer the consultation process on behalf of the Southport Town Deal board.

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