Sefton Councilâs Cabinet will next week consider a report which would see the Local Authority reach a major milestone in its plans for the exciting Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport.
The report, which was published today (Wednesday, July 20th) asks Cabinet to approve plans for a Full Business Case to be submitted to Central Government, following the award of the ÂŁ37.5m Southport Town Deal.
Cabinet will also be asked to approve plans to procure both a Design & Build contractor and an Operating Partner for the proposed venue.
Excitement for the Marine Lake Events Centre & Water and Light Show project has been building rapidly in recent months, and a detailed planning application for its creation has already been submitted.
Both the Planning submission and Business Case proposal follow a detailed public consultation process held by the council, which showed that 84% of residents and businesses in the resort are in favour of the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) being created.
Should the business case and planning permission be approved, The MLEC is expected to bring more than half a million visitors to Southport year on year, while generating an annual ÂŁ18 million for the local economy.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Councilâs Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: âThe submission of a full business case and the appointment of contractors and operators are the natural next steps in this fantastic one in a generational project.
âWe are wholly committed to the delivery of this incredible scheme which will be of massive importance to the economy across the borough.â
Detailed in the report includes a transparent financial analysis of what the local authorityâs predicted annual cost of borrowing for the project could be, less the annual income received from the venueâs future operating partner.
A more detailed financial forecast is currently being drafted and will be presented to the September meeting of Sefton Councilâs Cabinet.
Cllr Atkinson continued: âWe know that the public recognises the councilâs ambitions to boost Southportâs cultural offer and visitor economy, as well as ultimately support local businesses and increase spend.
âThis report reaffirms the Cabinetâs steadfast commitment to the MLEC project by borrowing up to ÂŁ20m to make it happen.
âI am immensely proud of what we have been able to deliver in terms of regeneration projects for our communities and businesses across Sefton, especially following the impact of the pandemic.
âShould it be approved, the new development will provide first class theatre space, a conference and exhibition centre able to accommodate a wide range of events, and cafĂ© and signature restaurant, providing facilities for both visitors and the local community alike.
âThe plans also include a new Water and Light show installation on the Marine Lake, the largest permanent installation of its kind in the UK.
âOur plans for the Marine Lake Events Centre and Water & Light Show directly complement the ongoing and continued investment Sefton Council makes toward improving the future of the town for our amazing communities and visitors.â
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: âSouthport holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in our city region and beyond as being a family-favourite destination for days out and holidays alike. The town has been entertaining generations of visitors for as long as it has existed.
âWe want to build on that legacy and make sure that Southport can continue to thrive and attract visitors for many more years to come, giving a massive boost to local businesses and creating good quality, secure jobs. We are working with Sefton Council to drive the townâs revival and start a new chapter in its story. I for one cannot wait to see what the future has in store.â
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