Sefton Council has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) in Southport, dismissing recent suggestions that the major regeneration project is in jeopardy. Council Leader Marion Atkinson stated the development remains on track despite the withdrawal of a second construction partner.
Key Takeaways
- Sefton Council confirms the £73m Marine Lake Events Centre project is proceeding as planned.
- The announcement follows the withdrawal of the second preferred construction partner, Graham Construction.
- The council attributes the change to rising national construction costs and a commitment to securing best value for taxpayers.
- A new main contractor is expected to be on-site by Spring 2026.
- The project is projected to generate over £19 million annually for the local economy and create hundreds of jobs.
Council Addresses Project Concerns
During a cabinet meeting on October 2, Sefton Council leaders addressed concerns about the future of the Marine Lake Events Centre. The discussion followed reports that the project's preferred construction partner, Graham Construction, had withdrawn from the agreement.
This development marked the second time a construction agreement has been terminated for the project, following a previous separation with Kier Group. The situation prompted Liberal Democrat councillor John Pugh to call for a formal review of what he described as a "troubled" project.
In response, Council Leader Marion Atkinson sought to reassure the public and dismiss any negative speculation. "Hopefully that puts to bed any headlines about things being in jeopardy and us not committing to this massively important regeneration scheme within our borough," she stated during the meeting.
Maintaining Public Trust
Cllr Paulette Lappin, the cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, provided a detailed update. She explained that the decision to part ways with Graham Construction was driven by the council's duty to secure the best possible financial outcome for the public.
"The withdrawal of Graham Construction was a result of the council prioritising best value for the ‘public purse’," Cllr Lappin explained.
She emphasized that rising construction costs are a nationwide issue affecting numerous large-scale projects, not a problem unique to Southport's MLEC.
Navigating Construction and Procurement
The council is now focused on finding a new main contractor. The goal is to manage the procurement process carefully to protect public funds while ensuring the project's quality and long-term success. The search for a new partner is underway, with a target for the selected firm to begin work on-site in the spring of 2026.
Timeline and Next Steps
Following the completion of demolition works on the site of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, interim work will continue. The council's immediate priority is to conduct what it calls "robust commercial negotiation" to appoint a new construction partner at the right price and within a revised schedule.
The council has also received support from the central government. According to Cllr Lappin, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has shown flexibility with funding timescales. This allows the council to secure the best value without being constrained by rigid deadlines.
"We are wholly committed to delivering the scheme and the Council will provide the capital required to bridge the gap once that number is finalised," Cllr Lappin added, confirming the council's financial backing.
Economic Impact and Future Vision
Despite the procurement setbacks, Sefton Council maintains that the economic case for the MLEC remains "incredibly robust." The new state-of-the-art facility is designed to be a cornerstone of Southport's economic revival, attracting new visitors and investment.
Projected Economic Benefits
- Annual Economic Boost: Expected to generate more than £19 million per year for the local economy.
- Visitor Numbers: Projected to attract hundreds of thousands of new visitors to Southport annually.
- Job Creation: Hundreds of new jobs are anticipated during both the construction and operational phases.
The council highlighted that confidence from the venue operator remains high. An enhanced business plan is expected to deliver increased revenue, which will help offset rising costs and support the council's investment.
A Catalyst for Wider Regeneration
The MLEC is not a standalone project but the centerpiece of a much broader strategy to rejuvenate Southport. Council officials pointed to several other key initiatives already underway or planned for the town.
These related projects include:
- The development of the Enterprise Arcade for digital and creative businesses.
- Public realm enhancements across the town centre.
- Forthcoming works at the historic Southport Pier.
- Improvements to Southport town square and gardens.
Cllr Lappin concluded on an optimistic note, stating, "These are exciting times for Southport and for Sefton, and while major construction will inevitably bring challenges and complexities, we are confident in our ability to manage these as effectively as possible."
The council remains committed to transparency but noted that certain aspects of the ongoing commercial negotiations must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the process. Updates will be shared with the public as soon as they become available.