Council want your views on “Les Transformations de Southport”

Sefton Council has launched a brand new consultation to seek the views of residents, businesses and visitors to the resort about future improvements to Southport town centre.

In 2020 plans were publicly revealed which would be designed to support Southport’s return to the grandeur of Victorian England, when it was the country’s second most popular tourist destination.

The project, dubbed “Les Transformations de Southport”, aims to support the town’s businesses by improving the connectivity across the whole town centre, including improved pedestrian facilities, better links to the railway station and the creation of new public spaces for hosting events.

Now a consultation has been launched for Phase One of the scheme, seeking out views about public access and how people move and travel through the town centre, as well as looking to gauge support on new public realm enhancements in the Chapel Street and Market areas.

Business owners, schools, visitors, the transport and tourism sectors are being encouraged to contribute their views alongside residents from the wider area around Southport.

People will be asked for their views on a number of areas, including:

•            Lighting and benches on Chapel Street
•            Improving the appearance of the Southport Station Entrance
•            Changes to the Market Street quarter
•            Better pedestrian provision on Eastbank Street
•            Improved street signage
•            Future phases and areas of focus

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, added: “The town centre is dominated by north-south movements, particularly by vehicles, and there are many competing demands for highway space which can be difficult to accommodate.

“The post Covid-19 decline in public transport use may also create additional pressure on the highway network to accommodate private vehicles.

“ Phase 1 is the beginning of our attempts to address these issues, provide infrastructure which allows for better access, along with the associated health and well-being outcomes.”

As accountable body for the project, Sefton Council will administer the consultation process on behalf of the Southport Town Deal board.

The consultation is open until March 18th, 2022. To have your say visit www.yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport/