Southport Hoteliers Face Crisis as £73m Events Centre Delays Continue
A prominent Southport councillor has issued a stark warning that prolonged delays to the town's flagship £73 million regeneration project are forcing hotels out of business, with escalating costs and repeated contractor setbacks compounding the crisis.
Project Delays and Escalating Costs
Cllr John Pugh, representing Dukes ward, has highlighted how the contractual delays in replacing Southport's former Floral Hall and Theatre with the new Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) have severely impacted the local hotel trade. The demolition of the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre began sixteen months ago as part of clearance operations for the new development, yet uncertainty persists about when the facility will finally open to the public.
The situation has been exacerbated by the council's difficulties in securing a construction partner. The project has seen two pre-construction agreements terminated – first with Kier Group in December 2023, then with Graham Construction last September – before Sefton Council recently entered into a new agreement with VINCI Construction as preferred contractor.
Cllr Pugh revealed that the council has still not agreed a final price with VINCI, acknowledging that the project cannot be delivered for the original £73 million and may cost significantly more. This financial uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to an already troubled development.
Impact on Southport's Hospitality Sector
The councillor's concerns centre on the tangible impact these delays are having on Southport's hoteliers. He reports that an increasing number are selling up and putting their properties on the market, while others have been forced to survive by providing accommodation for homeless people through council arrangements.
"Smaller hotels live from year to year and don't have the funds to patiently await the new dawn," Cllr Pugh stated. "Ironically, a plan that was designed to boost the hotel offer has through delays done the opposite."
With Southport preparing to capitalise on visitors during the Open Golf championship, the timing is particularly concerning. The town needs more quality bed spaces to compete in the conference and events market, yet the very project intended to deliver this boost is contributing to a reduction in available accommodation.
Council Response and Future Prospects
Sefton Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson has responded to these criticisms by reaffirming the local authority's commitment to the project. She emphasised that the council's strategy for Southport town centre, developed through extensive consultation as part of the Town Deal bid, remains focused on strengthening the visitor economy.
"The Marine Lake Events Centre is a vital part of that," Cllr Atkinson stated. "Our commitment to that project has never wavered, but our focus has always been on securing best value from public money."
The council leader defended the decision to change contractors when necessary and maintained that the business case for MLEC remains strong, with work continuing toward commencement of the main contract this year.
Funding Background and Community Impact
The MLEC development forms part of Southport's successful bid for £37.5 million of Town Deal funding, with an additional £17.7 million coming from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Sefton Council had previously confirmed a management deal with ASM Global for the £73 million venue.
However, Cllr Pugh has raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the council's regeneration schemes, suggesting there is insufficient opportunity for stress testing plans. He contrasted the "glorious, over optimised world of council press releases" with the "bread and butter world the rest of us have to make a living in."
As the community awaits progress on this crucial development, the tension between ambitious regeneration plans and the immediate realities facing local businesses continues to grow, with hoteliers bearing the brunt of the project's protracted timeline.
