Sefton Council has submitted its planning proposal for a new £75m waterfront conference and events centre in Southport.
The new development will provide a 1,200-capacity theatre space, a conference and exhibition centre, and a café and restaurant.
Plans also include a new water and light show installation on the Marine Lake.
AFL Architects has designed the scheme, building on preliminary designs from HOK. CGIs showing how the completed scheme will look were released in May.
The project team also includes civil engineer Aecom, venue consultant IPW, and Gardiner & Theobald as project manager and cost consultant.
Should the planning application be approved, the MLEC is expected to bring more than 500,000 visitors to Southport per year, while generating an annual £18m for the local economy.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour cabinet member for regeneration and skills, said: “Feedback from our recent consultation showed that 84% of residents and key stakeholders are just as passionate about the Marine Lake Events Centre as we are.
“These exciting and innovative designs will help attract a diverse range of quality events to the town all year round. The public recognises our ambitions to boost Southport’s cultural offer and visitor economy, as well as ultimately to support local businesses and increase spend.”
The project has been allocated £33.3m of Southport’s £37m Town Deal programme, while the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is also committing £22.3m.
Image credits: AFL Architects
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