Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from:

Ian Raikes (IR)

Michelle Brabner (MB)

Patrick Hurley (PH)

James Brayshaw (JB)

Dan Taylor (DT)

No declarations of interest were received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2024 

The minutes of the meeting held on 11^th October 2024 were confirmed as a correct record.

a.    Monitoring & Evaluation Update

b.    Town Deal Programme - Time Extension Request CLG

c.     Assurance & Governance Update Feb 2025

Monitoring & Evaluation Update

HJ outlined that the most recent Monitoring & Evaluation report was undertaken in November 2025 and submitted to MHLCG – No queries from this, therefore taking it as agreed and accepted. The next report is due April / May 2025 (and will cover the previous 6 months).

Town Deal Programme

HJ gave an update on Town Deal Programme. HJ explained that all Town Deal Programmes were asked if any time extension of time were needed for specific projects in their programme, given need to complete by March 2026. The extension could be up until March 2027. SMBC requested an extension of time for MLEC to build in additional flexibility, to allow for both practical and then financial completion. This was approved by MHCLG in February 2025 for and extension into Financial Year 2026/27.

RF (Chair) agreed that this is sensible.

Assurance Review

HJ requested any Board Members who have yet to complete their outstanding Declarations of Interest form, to returned this to Alice Hazard as soon as possible to complete the annual review.

SW gave update on Southport recovery work following the tragic incident in July 2024. Work consists of four workstreams that includes children and young people – collaborations with schools, psychological support, community cohesion, and economic and business support. The business support has focused on financial assistance to businesses and organisations directly affected.

Wider focus has been and will be on increasing the offer/reasons to visit Southport and town centre. Galvanisation of regeneration is required beyond the Town Deal projects, and this was always the ambition of the original funding bid. The programme also includes enhancement of existing events programme, creation of new events in 2025/26 and beyond. SMBC is working with Southport BID and LCR CA on this process. Exploring how we present positivity and ambition for the future of Southport. Want to support new businesses & young people. Cohesive vision and ambition is the focus over the next few months and youth voice will be included in that.

SB added that funds are already being utilised on a small scale, used to help with projects such as working with Southport BID on The Bear Trail/Winter Events, events that help to create footfall around the town with the aim to increase the spend in the town. Sefton are in discussions with the LCR to ask for support on any marketing of Southport events to the wider LCR.

AB advised that for community/smaller organisations £100-£1000 is significant and can also help stimulate local recovery. Such funding can improve communication on what we are doing at a community level, and aids community cohesion/wellbeing. We need to be working at all levels.

SW gave update. Demolition complete. Removal of excess material from site. Work is moving at pace to finalise pre-construction services agreement with contractor, secure cost certainty and work towards commencement on site. Fuller update at next board meeting after completion of the above.

KM gave update. A series of images was shown to highlight how far the project has come, the difficulties/challenges faced, and progress to date.

PH asked for an update on the operational model.

KM outlined the background and current position.

PH highlighted the need to ensure that any perception of the Council competing with businesses was dealt with.

SW advised that this is a different space and is not comparable to what is currently on offer elsewhere. Aim is to be complementary to the town’s existing accommodation offer.

Group attended a site visit following the meeting.

HJ gave an update on take-up of the training.

RF (Chair) asked if there were any issues with engaging in this.

HJ explained that smaller businesses struggle with this due to time availability, but larger businesses are fine. The intention is to look for future funding to target those smaller businesses.

SW outlined that the council are also involved in this, roll-out in 2025.

PM gave an update.

PM outlined Phase 1 works – Outlined that working with adjacent businesses impacted by disruptions due to works. Balfour Beatty have a dedicated liaison officer and businesses have her contact details. Working to minimise disruption to businesses, but not possible to deliver such a scheme with zero disruptions. On target for completion October 2025. Signage up to say businesses open as usual, however removed on the weekend due to high winds, but being put back up. A video has also been shared on social media channels emphasising businesses remain open. Needs ongoing discussion with local businesses.

Phase 2 – around MLEC – at concept stage / consultation. Includes promenade, top of Nevill Street, Marine Bridge. Central two-way cycle lane which means that we don’t need to narrow existing footways, formal and informal crossing points, major town centre to waterfront connectivity, greenery, SUDS. PM outlined that he is hopeful this will be funded through LCR funding. Spring and Autumn for preliminary designs, Summer 2025 - Summer 2026 will finalise design. PM outlined Sefton will share link to slides and consultation page. Engagement with young people, and wider community.

[Link attached here to consultation - Les Transformation de Southport - The Promenade Concept Design Public Consultation]

PH raised concerns about MLEC and phasing of works. Will they all be aligned to minimise any disruption/avoid any unnecessary duplication – dig once etc.

PM outlined that this will be done before MLEC is open to avoid disruptions.

Currently working on an updated design to emphasise more clearly the pedestrianisation and speaking with businesses with a view to amending TRO and meeting delivery needs in a different way.

AB reaffirmed original board intent for a complete pedestrianised area, and that spill out space would be better.

PM confirmed that the area will be able to be used completely for spill out and outdoor market use. They are currently implementing the areas that are not changing and reviewing next stage of works.

AB raised concerns on safety/comfort due to weather conditions, and wind tunnel effect, and suggested that the works need to include trees and hedges to break up wind to make it a more comfortable place.

PH raised concerns about the messaging / language that’s been put out to the public, sounds like all streets will be closed until October 2025, need to make the phasing clear to the public, as surely the roads will be opened as and when they’re ready not all closed until October 2025.

PH raised the dates for consultation for Phase 2 to the Board. PM confirmed 25^th Feb and 5^th March 2025 at the Atkinson in addition to online. There is also information provided in Southport Market.

Site Visit followed meeting with Board Members.

To consider any other items of business raised at the meeting

RF (Chair) – future meetings to be held online as being in person has impacted on the attendance. Any site visits can be made separately.

The purpose of the site visit is to view works at the above locations.

Board members undertook a site visit to the Enterprise Arcade and Market Street/King Street area following the Board meeting.

The next meeting of the Southport Town Deal Board will be held on Monday, 19th May 2025 commencing at 10am. The meeting will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

It was noted that the next meeting would be held remotely on Monday 19^th May 2025 commencing at 10am via Teams.