Six transformative developments shaping Southport’s bright future

A new era of growth and transformation.

There’s something in the air in Southport.

In recent years, the town centre has experienced a surge in investment, marked by developments that enhance its strong tourism appeal and initiatives that further the diversification of Southport’s economy.

The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group have invested heavily in hospitality venues such as The Grand and The Bold Hotel, providing the spark for what is now known as Southport’s vibrant, bustling Northern Quarter.

The town has seen a cluster of co-working spaces emerge, benefitting from the ultrafast capability of the LCR Connect network.  This enhanced connectivity is a draw for residents too, with many vacant spaces above shops now being converted into high-quality living spaces (see Lord Street Living).

The list goes on and on.

Southport Market has provided a new showcase food and drink venue in the heart of the town centre. Significant developments have been made at theme park Adventure Coast Southport.  Public realm works have been complemented by a new year-round and seasonal lighting initiatives.

Yet some of the most exciting and important developments are still in progress.  Exciting new developments and key strategic projects will continue to enhance Southport’s offer as a vibrant hub for business, tourism, and coastal living.

Marine Lake Events Centre 

The 103,000 sq ft events complex is the headline act of Southport’s Town Deal.

MLEC will be transformational for Southport’s leisure and culture offering and is expected to bring more than 500,000 extra visitors annually

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of shows and touring live acts in the new state-of-the-art auditorium.  A multi-functional exhibition hall will be the perfect setting for conferences and exhibitions.

Demolition works have been completed and the build is expected to begin in 2025.

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Water and Light Show

The Marine Lake is set to be animated with a show-stopping water and light show.

The unique attraction will work in tandem with the Marine Lake Events Centre, redefining the area and encouraging overnight stays.

Underwater and laser lighting, fountains, and water displays will be used to create a number of distinctive shows that play through both the daytime and nighttime.

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The Cove Resort

The Cove Resort project consists of a large 4-star hotel, a thermal spa with hydropathic facilities, and an incredible lagoon capable of hosting surfing and other water-based activities.

The current Southport Esplanade site, with views over the Sefton Coast, is the Cove’s proposed location.

The hotel itself will help to satisfy the town’s growing need for quality accommodation, whilst the facilities will only help to further Southport’s offer as a major health and wellbeing destination.

A pre-application was submitted in late 2024.  Once planning is approved, the development is estimated to take three years to complete.

The Garrick

Sefton Council have approved plans which will give a new lease of life to this art deco landmark.

A grand auditorium and performance space are central to the renovation of the mixed-use development.  Stylish apartments and a nine-storey hotel are to set to feature alongside a swimming pool, gym, retail spaces, and a bar and restaurant.

Enterprise Arcade

One of the key Town Deal regeneration projects, the three-floor Enterprise Arcade development will provide a central hub for the digital, creative and technological sector in Southport.

Co-working, hot desking, and incubator spaces will feature.  A large office will be a new home for an anchor tenant.  A food and drink offer on the ground floor will compliment the workspaces and provide a space for collaboration and social activity.

Works are due to complete in 2025.

Les Transformations de Southport

New and improved public spaces.  Walking and cycling routes.  Streamlined connectivity.

The 'Les Transformations' project will enhance the public realm and help restore Southport to the 'grandeur of its Victorian heritage'.

Works on the first phase have already begun and will see significant improvements to the vibrant Market Quarter area.  New paving and kerbing will enhance widened footways, with additional outside seating areas for local businesses.  Steet furniture and foliage will brighten up the street scene.  Market Street itself will become pedestrianised, providing a new setting for events and activities.

Phase 2 is tasked with improving access to the new Marine Lake Events Centre and will introduce new cycling routes and public spaces to the surrounding area.

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