Southport set to receive 45k cash windfall

Photo: Southport bid meeting success

Southport is set for a cash windfall after Sefton Council’s application for a share of the new £3 million Coastal Revival Fund was accepted.

The tender, submitted in partnership with Southport BID, was put together using recommendations from the draft Southport Development Strategy and details how the £45,000 grant would be used to help unlock the potential of Lord Street.

Sefton Council’s project, described as one of the very best by The Department of Communities and Local Government, competed against 222 bids, totalling £9million, for the Revival Fund.

The grant will now be used to conduct a feasibility study into the transformation of Lord Street into a culturally focused square, appropriate for the 21st century.

The major project could involve a number of key elements, including extensive landscaping and a new event space.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the decision and it is a massive boost having announced the draft Southport Development Strategy earlier in the week.

“Anyone who has read through the strategy will see the huge potential Lord Street has and we are really excited that this additional money will allow us to get the ball rolling on the 1st element of the project.

“I would like to also thank the team at Southport BID for their continued help and support.”

The proposals could see a square of similar size to Albert Square, Manchester and will play host to a number of events ranging from festivals to large scale Christmas celebrations, building on the quality of the existing events programme.

For more information on the Southport Development Strategy, visit sefton.gov.uk/southportstrategy

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