Sefton hires Nexus for Southport plan

Sefton Council, in partnership with the Southport Business Improvement District, has appointed Nexus Planning to draw up a development strategy for Southport town centre.

Nexus Planning is to identify the redevelopment options for a number of sites, including Marine Park on Southport's seafront, and Tulketh Street, a commercial site. Nexus aims to establish a strategy conducive to attracting private sector investment into the town, which will be used to guide the activity of the BID over the next five years.

Nexus Planning will be working on the first draft of the development strategy over the final quarter of 2014, and the first quarter of 2015.

The strategy, due for delivery by 2030, will look at how Southport can regenerate and grow its visitor economy as a classic resort, including a study of the design, access and investment opportunities in and around Lord Street, the canopied Victorian boulevard which forms the historic heart of the town.

Peter Tooher, director of Nexus Planning, said: "Southport has some great assets and a fantastic reputation, but unfortunately has suffered somewhat in comparison to neighbouring towns in recent years. This development strategy is an exciting opportunity to regroup and work with the council, the people of Southport and the private sector to set out a clear vision for how the town should evolve over the next few years."

Nexus is also working on the draft Crosby investment strategy, which is out for public consultation.