Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers.
This list will be updated as the project progresses through its various stages.
This name was proposed as a working title by one of the 300+ Southport schoolchildren who responded to an informal survey on this option. A new name for the venue will be determined in due course through further consultation and engagement with residents, and through discussions with potential funding partners.
The importance of conferences and events to the Town emerged strongly through the Town Deal board’s consultation process, which garnered more than 7,000 engagements in total. This included strong feedback from businesses and residents alike. The importance of cultural experiences was also prominent in Town Deal consultation.
Consultation with under 18’s also resulted in a strong preference for a flexible entertainment space that can hold E-sports events. The Town Deal board shared an overview of this proposal with Southport’s schools and colleges, and of more than 340 students, all aged 7-18, who responded to our short survey on the project, 78% gave the design and idea a score of 8 out of 10 or higher. The qualitative feedback also included huge emphasis on gaming and e-sports, accessibility for all ages, and suggested the working title of Marine Lake Events Centre.
Further consultation and engagement will be progressed across the town as the project develops further.
Sefton Council commissioned a sector-leading team in IPW and HOK early in 2020 to evaluate options and provide recommendations on the venue and its future, following closure.
The building has longstanding structural, mechanical and electrical issues which pre-date this year’s closure by some time. Moreover, the venue has experienced significant deterioration in revenues and in economic benefit to the town over the last decade.
It is clear to the subject matter experts, to the council and to the Town Deal board, that a new building with a new proposition for customers is required.
The design report and outline business case developed both demonstrate that “make do and mend” will require continued investment over a prolonged period, and will not enable transformation of the offer to meet market demand.
The pride and passion for the former STCC is shared by all residents, and as the design develops further it will ensure that the venue continues to recognise the history and heritage of the building and of the people of Southport.
Proposals for further development include restoration and incorporation of the Floral Hall glass dome into the new design; the design of the atrium to reflect the structure of Southport Pier; and a proposed memory wall to capture the stories of the venue and of our residents.
The live services and utilities need to be relocated before we can demolish the existing buildings and start work on the new theatre and events centre. Depending on the progress of the works by the Statutory Authorities we expect demotion to start in 2024.
The works will take approximately 24 months once the existing buildings have been demolished.