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MARINE LAKE EVENTS CENTRE & LIGHT SHOW
Sefton Council is set to launch its public consultation on much anticipated plans for the Southport Marine Lake Events Centre and accompanying Water and Light Show .
The community will shortly be invited to share their views on exciting plans for a new , state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment space and a flexible conference and business events venue and water and light show attraction , which will greatly boost the town ’ s economic and tourism sectors .
Consultation events are being held at Southport Market in the coming weeks and a live webinar will take place to provide more information on the plans , which will be revealed when the consultation begins on Thursday 26th May when feedback will be invited via an online survey at https :// yourseftonyoursay . sefton . gov . uk / futuresouthport / - with the consultation running until 10th June .
The MLEC will replace the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which closed its doors in 2020 . The new development will provide first class theatre space , a conference and exhibition centre able to accommodate a range of events , and café and signature restaurant , providing facilities for both visitors and the community alike . The plans also include a new Water and Light show installation on the Marine Lake . Designed to set Southport apart from other seaside towns , the show will attract thousands of additional visitors to the town each year .
The project forms part of the Southport Town Deal which secured £ 37.5 million funding in 2021 and follows the success of Southport Market , which opened its doors last year . The project has also secured £ 2.3 million funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority .
Consultation events are being held at Southport Market on Friday 27th May between 11am and 6pm , and Saturday 28th May between 11am and 3pm .
A live webinar will also be held at 6pm on Thursday 26th May . You can register to attend the webinar in advance at https :// yourseftonyoursay . sefton . gov . uk / futuresouthport /. The consultation webpage will be updated on the 26th May with further details of the plans and an online feedback form .
Cllr Ian Maher , leader of Sefton Council , said : “ The Marine Lake Events Centre is the latest fantastic opportunity for us to build on our successful bid for Town Deal funding .
“ This project directly compliments the ongoing and continued investment Sefton Council makes toward improving the future of the town for our amazing communities and visitors .
“ I would encourage everyone to join in with the upcoming consultation events , either online or in person , to find out more .
“ We are looking forward to hearing feedback before a planning application is submitted .”
Steve Rotheram , Mayor of the Liverpool City Region , said : “ Southport 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 .
“ We 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 town ’ s revival and start a new chapter in its story . I for one cannot wait to see what the future has in store .”
A public telephone line has also been set up via 0808 168 8296 . This is a freephone consultation hotline where people can call to speak to a member of the project team and ask any questions , as well as share any feedback .
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