Project description

Southport Cultural Centre is the result of a rising tide of confidence throughout Southport, stemming from successfully delivering earlier regeneration projects. Rebuilding the resort for modern visitors has made “good progress”, adds Corfield, “But there is still some way to go. We are therefore fortunate to have Sea Change supporting the Cultural Centre project as a major element of the next stage of that regeneration.”

The Cultural Centre is one of the major schemes identified in the 2004 “Vision for Southport” agreement between Sefton Council and Northwest Regional Development Agency. Two have already been delivered -  the £7.5 million Lord Street public realm improvements and Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

The vision report identified the need for a cultural centre of regional and national significance, forming the main anchor for Lord Street. It would host exhibitions from galleries such as the V&A or Tate. The idea was to increase the cultural “pulling power” of Lord Street, attracting more affluent and sophisticated customers.

“We already have some good cultural assets in Southport, but it is accurate to say that this project will move them to a new level,” Corfield explains. He sees the Southport Cultural Centre as unlocking the potential of culture to drive the resort forward.

Location

The Southport Cultural Centre would be housed on Lord Street in three grade II listed, interconnected buildings, built in the 1870s: Southport Arts Centre (which has two auditoria); The Atkinson Art Gallery; and, the Atkinson Library. While still imposing externally, refurbishment work in the 1970s and late 1980s has left the interiors lacking much of their original style.

In their present state, there are a host of problems with the existing buildings which will be addressed by the project. Their legibility is poor, with restricted disabled access and poor interconnections. Other issues include elderly heating and plumbing, as well as poor auditorium sightlines.

Research by scheme architect Levitt Bernstein concluded that the existing complex could not attract a wider regional or national audience, and even local people often preferred to travel to Liverpool for cultural consumption rather than visit their local facility.

Assessment of market need concluded that an art gallery would have the greatest power as “attack brand” for the Cultural Centre, hosting a programme of “blockbuster” exhibitions. It would be supported by smaller shows, including exhibitions drawn from the Council’s own art and social history collection (which includes more than 3,000 works of art). This would be accompanied by a theatre and 600-capacity flexible studio showing a mix of drama, music, dance, film and comedy. Additional activities would be hosted in a large public square outside the building, while there would also be high-quality cafe bar.

Potential scheme benefits

It is anticipated that providing a single, integrated venue will provide benefits over the existing separate attractions. Sefton’s Sea Change application speaks of creating “an integrated single spectacular venue” which meets the cultural needs of local and business communities as well as recreational and business tourists. By refurbishing and linking the existing buildings, Southport’s built environment heritage would be respected while creating attractions appealing to a 21st century audience.

It also creates the opportunity to programme coherently across diverse forms of art and culture - from dance to local history, fine art to film - perhaps around a single theme or subject. “We are looking at ways that one art form might influence or inspire another,” explains Taylor. For example, the revival of a British “kitchen sink” play in the theatre might inspire an exhibition of post-war art in the gallery, a season of period films in the cinema, New Wave literature in the library and an installation about lifestyles of the 1950s/60s in the museum.

It’s not just about appealing to a “national” audience. Taylor explains: “It will also be about finding links for local people.” The Cultural Centre’s proposed local history centre might, for example, host events about tracing family histories back to the 1950s, or family portraits displayed in the gallery. Indeed, the Centre will deliver many local benefits, including improved access to drama and art for schools.

However, the “national” benefits are also compelling. Not only will more visitors come to the resort - boosting footfall and revenue for local shops and businesses - but more will choose to stay overnight, enhancing the evening economy. This will be aided by a high quality accommodation offer, including the boutique Vincent Hotel, located close to the Cultural Centre.

One reason for more overnight visits is simply that people will choose to spend longer at the Cultural Centre. “People will come for a whole day and explore different themes,” believes Taylor. This will be aided by extended opening hours, which will also open up the facilities for new audiences. “In Southport we have a large-scale elderly population,” he says. “Why not have a matinée theatre programme and strong food and drink element? They can have lunch and see a show.” Late afternoon/early evening, the Centre might be handed over to young people. The library atmosphere could change, with music playing and games consoles available. “We are looking for a group of young advisors who will come and programme the space.”

The site already attracts some 450,000 users per year, and Levitt Bernstein’s research indicates potential for this to rise considerably - up to about 650,000 within the first five years.