Work to transform the Town Hall gardens in Southport, led by the families of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Da Silva Aguiar, and Bebe King, is due to begin next year.
The girls’ shared love of dance, music and the arts has inspired a vision for a new town square that will be an inclusive community focused events space in the heart of Southport town centre.
The families have secured £10 million from the Government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Sefton Council for the work to go ahead, following a meeting with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.
The exciting scheme – the biggest regeneration scheme ever seen in this area – is due to be completed in 2027.
It will be subject to a full planning application, so there will be lots of scope for full public consultation and feedback.
The ambition is to create a family-friendly, child-orientated, and safe open-air performance and gathering space as a lasting tribute to the people of our town.
The Town Hall gardens space has long been an integral part of Southport’s rich history, but last summer it took on new meaning as a place of unity, healing, hope and remembrance.
Thousands gathered there for a community vigil and used it as a place to leave tributes and flowers for the victims of the tragedy, demonstrating the community’s strength in adversity.
The families of Elsie, Alice and Bebe see the Town Hall gardens becoming a safe and joyful place, full of energy and creative expression, particularly for younger generations.
Detailed design and public consultation will take place through the latter part of 2025. Subject to planning and heritage approvals, the aim is for site works to begin in 2026, with completion aimed for 2027.
This is a legacy project designed to be a ‘Thank You’ to the people of Southport. It will be a space for play, joy, and community, inspired by the strength shown in moments of tragedy.
One example to illustrate this ambitious legacy project is the Piece Hall, Halifax.
Since reopening in 2017 the site has welcomed more than 12 million visitors, equating to an annual footfall of around 3 million. Events in the space range from major music concerts to arts, crafts, and community workshops, with significant focus on events for schoolchildren.
Sefton Council will act as the accountable body for the project throughout its development and a Project Management Board, led by an independent chair, will oversee the delivery of it.
It is being co-designed with engagement and consultation from those directly affected by the tragedy, the local communities, businesses and cultural partners.
In direct reflection of the spirit of Elsie, Alice and Bebe, the reimagined Town Hall Gardens will provide a child friendly and safe platform for musicians, dancers, artists, culture lovers and more, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for generations to come.
Beyond its cultural significance, the regeneration project will play a key role in Southport’s ongoing economic recovery and growth. By creating a flexible high-quality public space, the project will attract visitors, support local businesses, and complement other landmark public and private sector led developments in the town.
This vital project is made possible thanks to a £10 million investment, with both Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority providing £2.5 million, and the UK Government allocating £5 million to the works.
The families of Alice Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Stancombe issued a joint statement welcoming the project. They said:
“This project is a vision we have all shared for some time, which is rooted in love, resilience and unity.
“We wanted to find a way to thank the people of Southport for standing shoulder to shoulder with us. Your compassion has never wavered and your strength has helped carry us forward.
“The regeneration of the Town Hall Gardens will become a legacy inspired by our three beautiful and amazing girls and it will be a space that is loved by many generations to come.
“It will be a place of joy, hope and community. A vibrant place where children and families can feel safe, connected and celebrated in the heart of our town.
“We are grateful to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, to Sefton Council and to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and each of the region’s Councils, for listening to our voices and helping us achieve the funding we need for this project.
“This is only the beginning, and we all walk forward together with our amazing community in Southport, with purpose and hope.”
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