Sefton Council reveals when it expects to appoint a main contractor for its £73m flagship Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport. Andrew Brown reports
Plans to start building the new £73m Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) in Southport are set for a boost with Sefton Council aiming to appoint the main contractor in March this year.
This development, the main element of the Southport Town Deal regeneration scheme, will replace the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre with a modern state-of-the-art facility.
It will be complemented by the ‘Light Fantastic’ water and light show in Marine Lake, the first one of its kind in the UK.
Once complete, it is estimated it will attract more than 515,000 additional visitors to Southport every year and boost the local economy by £19m.
In an update on MLEC due to go before councillors next week, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, Cllr Paulette Lappin, said: “To date DSM have successfully demolished Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, which has allowed them to move onto critical enabling works.
“The reduced level dig is now complete along with the hotel infill. DSM are still on site undertaking some snagging work but will be off site shortly.
“As final options are being considered on the main contract the project team are bringing works packages forward to ensure site activity continues. Procurement for a new ramp from Upper Promenade now complete.
“Contractor to be announced shortly and works to start in January 2026. Complex civil works are estimated to take four months to complete. Work is ongoing to appoint a contractor for the main works contract with a target date of March 2026.”
Last year, Sefton Council leader, Marion Atkinson, described the MLEC development as a ‘flagship project’ that is part of a wider regeneration programme for the town.
Once complete it will be operated by Legends Global (previously ASM Global), one of the world’s leading companies in live events, venues, and brands.
Last year the Government announced that it will fund up to £20m to secure the restoration and reopening of Southport Pier.
Work is also due to begin this year on the £10 million transformation of the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street, in an exciting scheme led by the families of Elsie, Alice and Bebe.
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Cllr Atkinson said last year: “The Marine Lake Events Centre is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Southport’s visitor economy and secure long-term prosperity for our town.
“The Marine Lake Events Centre is the flagship project, but it is part of a wider regeneration programme that includes improvements to public spaces and infrastructure across Southport. These are investments in our future.
“This is about building a better future — and we’re proud to be leading that charge.”