Property developer Paul Halsall joins the board of Southport BID and says he’s eager to play a role in shaping the town’s future success. Andrew Brown reports

Paul Halsall, founder and partner at MFP Group has been appointed to the board of Southport BID.

He is an experienced director with speciality in property development, strategic advisory, and developing projects that connect communities and drive economic growth.

Paul and MFP Group have been responsible for several projects in Southport town centre over recent years. They include the award-winning regeneration of 509–515 Lord Street.

MFP worked alongside English Heritage and Sefton Council to deliver a new mixed-use development comprising commercial space alongside nine high-quality apartments.

Other projects have included the redevelopment of derelict buildings and HMO’s into modern guesthouses, as well as ongoing work at the historic Pump House site.

Paul, a lifelong Southport resident, shares a vision for how creative thinking and collaboration can shape our town centre’s future. He said: “The future of Southport is experience led. Retail alone will not sustain the town centre.

“We need a strong mix of hospitality and independent businesses, leisure and cultural activity, services and events that give people clear reasons to visit, stay longer and come back again.

“Success depends on collaboration. Landlords, businesses, the BID, the council and wider partners need to work together with clear priorities, high standards and a commercial mindset that attracts the right operators and long-term investment.

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“That also means paying attention to evidence; understanding who uses the town centre, when and why. Making sure our streets, spaces and infrastructure support a vibrant, year-round economy.

“Southport’s strengths are real. A coastal setting, distinctive streets and architecture, and green spaces that support a healthy, balanced way of life. People come here to enjoy life and that is a powerful foundation for the town centre’s future.”