Phase one of Government-backed public realm project, Les Transformations de Southport, completes including pedestrianisation of part of the town centre. Tony McDonough reports
Work on phase one of the Les Transformations de Southport public realm improvement project is coming to an end.
This phase has seen Southport’s Market Quarter transformed, with big changes including the pedestrianisation of Market Street and adjoining King Street becoming one way.
Wider pavements and improved crossing points on Eastbank Street also help better connect the Market Quarter to Chapel Street, Lord Street and the rest of the town centre. Future phases will improve the spaces connecting to the Promenade and waterfront.
In 2020, plans were revealed which would be designed to support Southport’s return to the grandeur of Victorian England, when it was the country’s second most popular tourist destination.
It was partly inspired by Prince Louis Napoleon who lived in exile in the town in 1838 and spoke of the “grandeur” of the town centre. The scheme has been made possible by Government Town Deal funding.
Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said: “The works on Market Street, King Street and Eastbank Street have transformed the area, to create an accessible, high quality and long lasting public space to be enjoyed by all.
“The scheme has been an important part of investing in Southport, using funding from the Southport Town Deal and Liverpool Combined Authority’s Sustainable Transport Funding to improve these streets and support our vision for the town.
“We have been investing in the area, improving the look and feel of the town with new wide pavements, trees and plants and new places to sit.”
Benches, trees and plants have all been carefully chosen to suit the weather of a coastal town. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said the project offered vital support to town centre businesses.
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She added: “By encouraging people to visit more frequently and to spend more time in Southport and generally making the place feel nice to be in, high quality public spaces such as this are important to supporting local businesses.
“Pedestrianising Market Street has created a great opportunity for events and markets such as The Coastal Jam in September this year. It’s an example of how in the future, we can encourage families to an area and feel safe away from traffic.”