Southport Theatre & Convention Centre. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Southport Theatre could soon be transformed into ‘a 21st century state-of-the-art building’ that our town can be proud of.

Sefton Council recently committed to investing around £1million in carrying out essential remedial works at the venue.

And now the local authority has appointed IPW (In Partnership With) to appraise long-term investment and redevelopment options for Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC).

IPW will work with Sefton to undertake feasibility studies into the future redevelopment of the STCC, which continues to be open for business.

IPW is a specialist sport, venues, entertainment and business events consultancy and has an international profile working on the development of multi-use venues.

Bliss Investment Partners, which runs the adjacent Bliss Hotel and The Waterfront site, has been appointed on a short-term basis to manage the theatre whilst the council looks for a long-term operator.

Bliss Investment Partners co-founder Robert Agsteribbe said: “We are delighted to be involved with Sefton, and others, in the planning stage of the reinvention of STCC.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to provide a 21st century state-of-the-art building.

Betty the Blissbot is UK’s first ever room service robot

 

“When complete we will have a hugely improved experience and, all in all, something which Southport will once again be so very proud of.”

STCC is already one of the UK’s largest integrated conference centres, offering 14 flexible event spaces suitable for a variety of events and a 1,631-seat theatre auditorium and casino.

The Theatre has enjoyed a rich history, having hosted stellar names including The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross and The Four Tops. In more recent years, crowds at the venue have enjoyed comic talent including Peter Kay and The League of Gentlemen.

Recently Sefton Council agreed to invest circa £1m to carry out essential remedial works to the venue (with dates yet to be confirmed) and will be seeking to further enhance Southport’s standing as a leading conference destination with further investment in STCC.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is an important part of Southport’s visitor economy and will continue to be an asset in the future.  STCC is due to host a number of large-scale conferences and events in the coming months, including welcoming over 250 delegates from the National Union of Journalists, 400 delegates for the NUS conference in May and last month over 600 delegates attended the Labour Party regional conference, which alone helped to boost the local economy by £500,000.

“With the economic potential that conferences and other events bring it is vital that we continue to support the venue, invest in its future and help unlock Southport’s destination as a major conference destination.”

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