Vision for a world-class theatre and conference centre revealed
New state-of-the-art venue planned to replace Southport Theatre and Convention Centre
 Sefton Council has today (17 July 2020) released plans outlining its ambitious vision for a brand new world-class theatre and conference centre on Southport waterfront. The new state-of-the-art venue would sit on the edge of Marine Lake and replace the current Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
The waterfront is a key area in the town and an important part of what makes Southport an all-year round destination for visitors, with its further potential as part of a comprehensive redevelopment also recognised. The plans for a new theatre and conference centre highlight Sefton Councilâs commitment to investing in the future of Southport as a leading destination.
Cllr Ian Maher, Labour Leader at Sefton Council, says, âThis project is a real game changer for Southport and The City Region and showcases a bright future for the town. Â We understand the valuable role that having a theatre and conference centre plays and we want to ensure that Southport is on the map for having one of the best in the region, if not the whole county.
âThis site offers a stunning location so, if we can match this with world-class facilities, weâll be able to ensure that national and regional conferences visit Southport as well as giving us the opportunity to secure leading theatre shows; all of which bring additional investment and footfall into the town. Having such an ambitious project in our sights is also an important part of how weâll be trying to achieve an uplift for the local economy, as we all work in partnership to overcome the impact of Covid-19. Furthermore, the new venue will play an instrumental and leading part in the wider regeneration of the waterfront area.â
A feasibility and design study has been commissioned for the new theatre and conference centre by Sefton Council as part of its commitment to investment and growth within the Borough. The study evaluates a range of options including minor renovation works, as well as the ambitious vision, which may comprise either a full new build, or partial new build with retention of the Floral Hall. The work is being led by IPW who are experts in venues and facilities and supported by global architects HOK.
Southportâs Town Deal Board is supportive of the project, which could be integral to the Southport Town Deal bid. The Town Deal centres on bringing into reality the master plan that has been created for Southport, which is being led by Southport Town Deal Board; made up of public and private industry leaders. Later this year a bid of up to ÂŁ25million will be made to central Government to support the delivery of this master plan. While consultation on the specific project will take place in due course, residents are encouraged to share their early perspectives, including on the range of options above, via the Town Deal consultation process at: https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport/
The existing Southport Theatre and Convention Centre remains closed at the moment due to the Government guidance for all theatres following the Covid-19 outbreak across the UK. The previous operator, Bliss Space (Southport) Ltd, went into liquidation in May. However, Sefton Council is committed to the venue in the short term as well as the long term, and will reopen the site when it is safe and viable to do so. Further work to finalise the exciting plans for the new theatre and conference centre in more detail will take place over the summer.
Here in Sefton we know that our teaching staff are doing an amazing job in continuing to work in schools across the borough, teaching vulnerable children and children of key workers.
We are absolutely delighted with the news that one of Sefton’s amazing School Chefs, Holly Charnock has won this yearâs national SCOTY title, for her two-course meal, which was presented at Stratford-upon-Avon College, in Warwickshire.
One of Seftonâs very own School Chefs has cooked up a storm, making it to the final of School Chef of the Year 2020, organised by LACA – The School Food People.