Hoteliers in Southport are calling for construction of the proposed new Marine Lake Events Centre to be “progressed without delay”.
Southport Hotels Association members say they are “excited by what the future holds” with the £73 million new venue, which would be built on the site of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
They believe it is “critical to the success of the visitor economy in the town” with numerous local businesses dependent on the exciting new venue being built.
Southport Hotels Association is the country’s oldest hotels association, established in 1888, now representing the interests of independent Southport hotels, B&B and self-catering properties.
SHA Board Members Anthony Duffey and Caroline Grogan have submitted their views to Sefton Council, ahead of the Planning Committee voting on the development this Thursday (27th April 2023).
They said: “We would like to confirm that the new conference centre has our full backing and we believe it is critical to the success of the visitor economy in the town.
“Southport, like many seaside towns, has seasonal trade. Many of our members are very busy during the summer and have little trade during the shoulder months and winter period.
“In the past we have relied on trade from the conference centre to maintain cash flow during the quieter periods.
“Since Covid and closure of the STCC we have seen the revival of staycations, which has led to an extension of the season and has played its part in keeping many small businesses afloat as we navigate our way through the economic impact of Covid.
“As holiday makers are regaining their confidence to travel abroad, we have noticed this revival is stalling and the void left by the closure of the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is becoming more apparent.
“The SHA have been working closely with Southport Theatre and Convention Centre management since we were informed the venue was closing.
“They have shown us plans and proposals and as a group we are excited by what the future holds for the new venue.
“We feel that the new state of the art facility will not only fill the void left by the STCC, but will strengthen and aid redevelopment of the resort and enhance Southport’s visitor and wider economy.
“We also feel the new development will future proof the new conference centre for many years to come.
“We request that this planning application and construction are progressed without delay.
“Economic issues on the horizon and the cost-of-living crisis suggest the hospitality industry could experience increasingly difficult times in the next few years, and the re-opening of a new conference centre in a timely manner could provide us with some much-needed support.”
Sefton Council’s Planning Committee has been moved to Southport for the determination of the new £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre, so local people can see this important local decision taking place.
The meeting will be held at The Waterfront Hotel, Promenade, Southport. PR9 0DZ from 6.30pm on Thursday, 27th April 2023.
All are welcome to attend, as space allows.
Plans for the £73 million new Southport Marine Lake Events Centre will also include proposals for a spectacular water and light show on Marine Lake.
The ambitious scheme, the central development of Southport Town Deal, will replace the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which closed in March 2020.
The new centre is estimated to attract over half a million visitors into Southport every year and generate £18 million for the local economy with a huge boost for Southport’s hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, guest houses and other local businesses.
It would create 290 gross direct on-site and off-site operational jobs.
The proposed new development would be a modern building comprising a 1,200 seat theatre (1,500 capacity seating standing), and a conference centre with a capacity of 2,400.
In the application, Sefton Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie said: “The proposed development would make a significant contribution to the regeneration of the wider Southport area, increasing tourism and bringing with it substantial social and economic benefits not just to Southport but Sefton.”
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