The Chancellor has announced £37.5m for Southport under the Town Deal Fund. The coastal resort is one of a number of communities to benefit from the funding announced in this year’s budget.

Central to the multi-million-pound Town Deal bid was the ambition to create a new waterside event centre to replace Southport Theatre, which closed in March last year when the operator entered liquidation.

The Town Deal will also see the construction of an exciting new water and light show to animate the Marine Lake; public realm improvements between Southport Train Station and the Marine Lake; and the creation of new business incubator and co-working spaces for hundreds of people in Southport town centre.

Sefton Conservative Leader and Southport Conservative Association Chairman Cllr Tony Brough says he is proud of the way that Southport ‘punched above its weight’ to secure the vital funding.

The award of £37.5million Government investment into Southport announced in the 2021 Budget has been described as “a truly momentous achievement” by the towns Conservative Leader.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced the sum for Southport after backing the town’s impressive Town Deal submission for funding. Sefton Conservative Leader and Southport Conservative Association Chairman Cllr Tony Brough says he is proud of the way that Southport ‘punched above its weight’ to secure the vital funding.

Details of exactly how the money will now be spent will be revealed over the course of 2021. Central to the bid was a new waterside events centre after Southport Theatre & Convention Centre closed last year, along with other schemes including a new light and water show in the Marine Lake and new incubator and co-working space for businesses.

Cllr Brough said: “I am delighted to learn that the efforts of Southport’s MP Damien Moore to draw down ‘real cash’ from the Government’s Town Deal Fund have been fully rewarded.

“The announcement today that Southport is to receive £37.5m from the fund is fantastic news for our town. This money will act as a springboard for regeneration and a catalyst for further investment in Southport.

“I know how hard Damien Moore has worked to secure this deal for our town both locally and at Westminster – it is a truly momentous achievement! Southport has ‘punched way above its weight’ to gather this prize and the resulting investment will serve to underpin sustainable economic growth, jobs and prosperity.

“Southport is a great place to live and I believe will rise up to become the number one seaside holiday destination in the UK. Well done to Damien Moore MP and the Town Deal Board chaired by Rob Fletcher.”

Southport MP Damien Moore said: “This funding is an opportunity to present a vision not only of what we want for Southport now, but where we want to be in the future. This has always been my goal, to deliver a locally driven, joined-up package for Southport.

“I have repeatedly made the case for sustained investment in our town, both to Sefton Council and to central Government - investment attached to a long-term vision. That case was made much easier by the creation of the Southport Town board, without which this bid would not have been possible, and a Conservative MP working with a Conservative Government.”

Having long called for what is described above as 'public realm improvements', I am truly delighted the notion has gained traction......Can't wait to enjoy a town centre that has been returned to the people, in the form of great new public open spaces!

Southport is a great place to live and I believe will rise up to become the number one seaside holiday destination in the UK. Well done to Damien Moore MP and the Town Deal Board chaired by Rob Fletcher.”

what planet does this plonker live on? the tide is only in 6 days a month and most of the beach is mud and grass

Buying votes,nothing less. Of the 45 councils who benefitted, 40 have Tory MP's.

Originally Posted by Red devil

Buying votes,nothing less. Of the 45 councils who benefitted, 40 have Tory MP's.

Completely agree, buying votes in potentially key seats. Nothing to do [imho] with Damien Moore.

A timely reminder of which butchers to avoid.