Help to shape Future Southport
About the Town Deal
Southport was one of 101 towns that were allocated funds from the Town Deal Fund, launched in 2019. Sefton Council, through extensive consultation, developed Southport’s Town Investment plan which sets out the long-term strategy and long term ambitions for Southport.
From the three core principles of looking to strengthen the visitor economy, diversifying the local economy, and infrastructure to under pin growth, four key projects were identified. These are:
- Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) and the Water and Light show.
- Enterprise Arcade.
- Les Transformations de Southport.
- Building Better Customer Experience.
Project 1) Marine Lake Event Centre 
The MLEC is a £73m multipurpose events centre capable of holding entertainments shows, touring theatre acts, conferences, exhibitions and much more. It is one of the schemes being developed with the £37.5m of Town Deal funding for Southport.
With ASM Global appointed as the preferred operator, works are set to begin later this year that see Kier Construction undertake the enabling and demolition works of the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. The main works will then begin early 2024 with completion and opening in 2026. All of this will be complimented by a spectacular water and light show in The Marine Lake, the first of its kind in the UK.
When complete, the development will attract over 500,000 visitors a year to Sefton, contributing over £18m to the local economy every year.
Find out more
Project 2) Les Transformations de Southport 
The Business Case for the Southport Town Fund submission recognised the importance of the public realm in Southport.
In recognition of Prince Louis Napoleon, being so impressed by the grandeur of Lord Street that it formed the basis by which Paris was reconstructed, a project has been developed under the title Les Transformations de Southport.
This looks at increasing interconnectivity across Southport town centre and Waterfront, from improved pedestrian and cycling routes, to the creation of new public spaces.
Some development work has been completed to look at materials to be adopted in any improvement work. These are aimed at lifting the appearance of the town, are appropriate for the area and can be readily replaced and maintained. A further exercise has been undertaken to identify amendments to the highway network aimed at improving pedestrian accessibility and creating options for new and improved public space. Some consultation is planned for later in the year over these changes and this will help shape further phases of improvement work.
Some changes to the highway in the vicinity of Southport Market have been approved. These limit the traffic using Market Street thus changing the appearance of the highway.
A public realm improvement focused on King Street. Market Street and Eastbank Street is programmed for delivery later in2023 and early 2024. This exciting project should help transform this area of the town centre and set the standard for other improvements.
Consideration is also being given to a further scheme centred around the link between the town and the new Marine Lake Exhibition Centre and will consider wider improvements to the Promenade.
Project 3) Enterprise Arcade 
Forming part of the Southport Town Deal, £1.5 million has been earmarked for the regeneration and transformation of Crown Buildings and retail units in the Bank Building, eventually creating a purpose built15,000sq ft hub for individuals, freelancers, enterprises, and independent professionals who are taking their first steps into setting up and growing their own business.
The Enterprise Arcade project reaffirms the commitment of Sefton Council and its partners to maximising the potential of the digital, creative and technology sectors within the resort.
Work is under way to find a contractor for the project. The refurbishment works are due to start late 2023 and aims to be complete by Autumn 2024.
Project 4) Building Better Customer Experience
This project will work with a wide range of stakeholders and businesses to deliver bespoke training and development programmes for everyone who has contact with visitors and customers in Southport. Working with Southport College and local employers, new learning will undertake a variety of modules specifically designed to enhance the ‘Southport Welcome’.