We were appointed as lead consultant by Sefton Council to prepare the Southport Development Strategy. The Strategy aimed to develop a set of masterplanning and spatial framework policies to establish Southport as a classic resort for the 21st Century.

Our Solutions

The Development Strategy primarily concentrated on enhancing the experience of visitors to the town. In order to achieve this, we provided a focus on enhancing gateways, reinforcing linkages and better showcasing areas such as Lord Street, the promenade and the beachfront.

Amongst other proposals, the Study identified a Development and Delivery Strategy for the long-established Pleasure Land Theme Park, located potential sites for new retail and residential schemes and established a car parking and signage strategy central to improving the visitor experience.

Consultation with key stakeholders was integral to this assignment with a communications strategy developed with the client from the outset. In addition, we also held meetings with a number of key bodies including local landowners, Mersey Travel, Liverpool LEP, Southport College.

The Outcome

The project successfully established a number of strategies to improve Southport’s physical environment and enhance the town’s offering to visitors. The Council are now working with partners to develop an action plan and funding packages.