Sefton Council has submitted plans to develop The Marine Lake Events Centre & Water and Light Show project.

The submission follows a detailed public consultation process held by the council, which showed that 84% of residents and businesses in the resort are in favour of the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) being created.

If the planning application is approved, The MLEC is expected to bring more than half a million visitors to Southport year on year, while generating an annual £18 million for the local economy.

The new development will provide first class theatre space, a conference and exhibition centre able to accommodate a wide range of events, and café and signature restaurant, providing facilities for both visitors and the community alike. The plans also include a new Water and Light show installation on the Marine Lake, with the working title of ‘The Light Fantastic.’

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Designed to set Southport apart from other seaside towns, the show will be unique to the UK and will attract thousands of additional visitors to the town each year.

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.

"Our plans for the Marine Lake Events Centre and Water & Light Show directly compliments the ongoing and continued investment Sefton Council makes toward improving the future of the town for our amazing communities and visitors."