Borough Of Culture

Shoppers along Southport’s famous boulevard are being given a fantastic history lesson as they pass the iconic Grade II listed 509-515 Lord Street building, which is currently undergoing a huge restoration project.

Contractors have recently fitted Information Boards describing the background to this ambitious scheme which is part of the wider Southport Townscape Heritage Project.

Council Officers have developed the Boards which have been put together following meticulous research of the building’s history by looking through dusty old files and documents at various libraries.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, said: “It’s really interesting to watch the re-development of this iconic building and I am delighted that we have these Information Boards.

“What we wanted is a clear way to tell the incredible story behind the journey this building has gone on, welcoming in a brand new chapter in the history of Lord Street.”

The £1m renovation, which is taking place thanks to a significant grant contribution from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will see the building’s heritage features restored as well as nine high specification apartments and two ground floor retail units being brought back into use.

Paul Halsall of building owners, Lord Street Developments, added: “The Information Boards have really caught the attention of passers-by and they do make a good read, especially with the images of old posters and flyers relating to former occupiers, you can really become immersed in the history of the building”.

“This high-quality refurbishment due for completion next Spring sets a high standard for subsequent design in Southport town centre and will provide nine self-contained apartments in addition to high quality retail space in the twin shops”.

For further information about the Southport Townscape Heritage project, to follow progress on individual buildings and to learn more about further grant opportunities, take a look at the Southport Townscape Heritage project Facebook page or the dedicated www.southporttownscape.org.uk website.

You can also follow updates via Twitter on @SouthportTHP

Artists, arts organisations and community groups across Sefton are being reminded there are less than two weeks left to submit nominations in for the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

Nominations can be for creative individuals, organisations, groups or partnerships and can include the visual and the performing arts such as theatre, dance, music and opera. Photography, film and broadcast media, literature, museums, galleries and heritage and craft creations and projects can also be entered.

Significantly benefited

Nominees must either live, study and/or work in one of the City Region’s six boroughs or have created work or projects that have significantly benefited its residents and visitors and contributed to the development of the local economy.

Categories in this year’s awards include Artist and Arts Organisation of the Year, a Student Inspiration Award, The People’s Choice, and the Judges’ ‘Inspiration Award’ for significant contribution to Culture. There is also a range of Impact Awards for themes that include Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Improving Education & Learning and Sustainable Business in Arts.

Entries need to be submitted by Friday 12th November and must feature activity that took place have taken place between 13 November 2020 and 12 November 2021.

Creativity

When this year’s Awards were launched last month, Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Despite all the problems and trials the pandemic has thrown at us and the effect it had on our year as the Borough of Culture, creativity has continued to thrive across Sefton.

“I would urge individual artists and organisations across Sefton to visit www.lcrcultureawards.co.uk  to find out more about the awards and categories and to submit nominations for the awards by the November deadline.”

Imagination

Announcing the Awards in October, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region is the country’s cultural capital; that creativity is in our DNA and we’ve seen it on full display over the past year. As we have emerged the pandemic, people across our region have stepped up with imagination, creativity and generosity that I know will help to lead our creative recovery.

“I’m sure this year’s awards, when we’re able to come together properly, celebrate our creative talent and recognise the resilience that got us through the pandemic, will be a memorable occasion for us all.”

The Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity awards were created as part of the Metro Mayor’s Percent for Culture initiative. They were established to recognise the value and power for change that the arts, cultural and creative sector can bring in reinforcing the city region as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business.

In 2020, Artist of the Year was awarded to Paul Curtis, who has recently completed the spectacular sand lizard mural at Ainsdale’s Toad Hall. The Atkinson in Southport picked up the People’s Choice for Outstanding Contribution to Culture and the Covid-19 Creative Response Impact Award.