The Marine Lake Events Centre project in Southport continues to advance through delivery as Sefton Council progresses a £73 million waterfront regeneration scheme aimed at replacing the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. The development forms a central element of the Marine Lake waterfront regeneration strategy and is designed to strengthen the town’s cultural infrastructure while supporting long-term tourism and economic activity.
Marine Lake Events Centre project moves through pre-construction phase in Southport
The Marine Lake Events Centre project is currently in an advanced pre-construction stage following demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. In 2026, Sefton Council confirmed VINCI Building as the preferred contractor under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement, marking a key step toward full delivery of the scheme. Enabling works have already been completed on site, including ground preparation and structural remediation along the Marine Lake frontage to prepare for main construction activity.
The project remains under detailed design and procurement finalization, with main construction expected to begin in late 2026 once contractual arrangements are concluded. The delivery approach allows early contractor involvement to refine buildability, cost certainty, and sequencing ahead of full construction mobilization.
Marine Lake Events Centre project strengthens Southport regeneration strategy
The Marine Lake Events Centre project is intended to act as a key anchor for Southport’s visitor economy by providing a flexible events venue capable of hosting cultural performances, exhibitions, conferences, and community programming. The scheme is expected to support year-round activity in the town center and reduce seasonal reliance on traditional tourism patterns.
The development also reflects a wider UK trend of culture-led regeneration, where local authorities invest in civic and entertainment infrastructure to diversify local economies. This approach aligns with other large-scale creative and mixed-use developments, including the Camden Film Quarter project in London, which integrates film production facilities, housing, and education within a single master planned campus.
The plan for the Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport was created by AFL Architects, building on HOK’s initial concepts. In May, CGIs that depicted how the final design would appear were released. The project team also consists of the civil engineer Aecom, the venue consultant IPW, and the project manager and cost consultant Gardiner & Theobald.
The application follows a dialogue and council debate as to the future of the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre complex and marine lake, as Sefton attempts to build on Southport’s under-promoted waterfront assets.
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Marine Lake Events Centre to boost tourism in the host region
The MLEC is projected to increase tourism in Southport by over 500,000 visitors annually. Additionally, it will contribute £18 million to the local economy. However, this is only if the planning request is granted.
“Feedback from our recent consultation showed that 84 percent of residents and key stakeholders are just as passionate about the Marine Lake Events Centre as we are,” said Cllr Marion Atkinson, a Labour cabinet member for regeneration and skills on Sefton Council.
“These captivating and cutting-edge designs will aid in luring a wide variety of top-notch events to the town all year long. The general public is aware of our goals, which include enhancing Southport’s cultural offerings and visitor economy. These will ultimately support neighborhood businesses and boost spending.
The Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport project will receive £33.3 million from Southport’s £37 million Town Deal program. Furthermore, £22.3 million will be granted by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The theater complex was taken over by the council in 2020 after its operating company went into liquidation.
Project Fact Sheet
Project name: Marine Lake Events Centre project
Location: Southport, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Project value: £73 million
Project type: Waterfront events and cultural regeneration scheme
Client: Sefton Council
Site: Former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre site
Procurement model: Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA)
Main contractor (preferred): VINCI Building
Architecture: AFL Architects
Key facilities: Multi-purpose events hall, theatre space, exhibition and conference facilities
Delivery stage: Advanced pre-construction and enabling works phase (2026)
Construction start: Expected late 2026 (subject to final contract agreement)
Economic objective: Tourism growth, cultural programming, and town center regeneration
Project Team
Project Owner: Sefton Council
Planning Authority: Sefton Council Planning Department
Preferred Main Contractor: VINCI Building
Architecture: AFL Architects
Demolition Contractor: DSM Demolition Ltd
Venue Operator Partner: ASM Global
Procurement Model: Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) delivery framework
Civil and Enabling Works Contractors: Specialist marine and infrastructure contractors
Cost Consultants: Appointed commercial and quantity surveying advisers
Structural and Civil Engineers: Multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy teams
Transport Consultants: Appointed mobility and access planning specialists
Heritage and Planning Consultants: Environmental and townscape advisory teams
Funding Partners: UK Government Town Deal program and Sefton Council capital funding
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