Expansion plans by one of Southport’s major employers are due to be supported thanks to the opening of a local supermarket.
EFT Group is leading an ambitious £9million project to move from its current base at Cobden Road and grow into brand new state-of-the art premises at Southport Business Park on Wight Moss Way in Kew, after planning permission was recently granted.
The land has been vacant for many years, due to poor ground conditions and its previous use of part of the site as a domestic waste tip.
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But it could soon become one of the most important hubs for skilled jobs in the borough.
In addition to the new EFT Group headquarters, new light industrial units for other local businesses would also be built.
This Thursday (5th November 2026) at Southport Town Hall, Sefton Council’s Cabinet is due to approve the use of a supplementary capital estimate of £686,850 which was secured through Section 106 funding from the opening of the Aldi store in Birkdale to support the transition of the site.
The Cabinet report says: “Southport Business Park remains one of only two strategic allocations of land for employment use in the North of Sefton.
“This site however has been challenged for more than a decade in terms of development due to viability issues linked to poor ground conditions, previous use of parts of the site as a domestic waste tip and general market conditions where rental values locally do not support viability on a commercial investment basis.
“European funding previously supported development of Southport Business Park and associated infrastructure but the loss of priority funding (Objective 1) in the city region in 2006 (Transitional funding continued until 2013 ) had a dramatic impact at the business park and development since then has effectively stalled.
“ In 2015 the Council agreed to the development of an Aldi store in Birkdale which involved a loss of employment floorspace and in mitigation a unilateral undertaking (Planning Section 106 Agreement ) was entered into by Aldi which had the intention and purpose of supporting the delivery of an equivalent amount of employment floorspace at Southport Business Park.
“Such is the challenge in terms of viability at Southport Business Park it is not until very recently that tangible progress has been made in securing development interest.
“The Council has recently entered into Heads of Terms with local employer EFT Group for land at the business park and subject to securing planning consent and achieving a position with the Council in respect of financial support accessing the available Section 106 monies and potentially support from the Combined Authority, EFT will deliver a significant new headquarters building for their own operation plus a development of speculative units to rent.
“Allocation of monies from the targeted and available Section 106 monies (would) move forward with financial support for the delivery of employment floorspace by EFT Group for this major development at the Business Park.
“The unilateral undertaking (the Planning Section 106 Agreement ) with Aldi commits this budget to be spent within 10 years from the date of the agreement. Should these monies not be spent in a manner appropriate to the purpose set out in the agreement these monies will have to be returned to Aldi as set out in the agreement.”
Earlier this week, EFT Group bosses said they are “delighted” that planning permission has been secured for their new headquarters in Southport.
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.”
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.
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