Agenda item

Project Updates

Les Transformations de Southport

AD reaffirmed the project objectives for Les Transformations de Southport. This project looks at increasing interconnectivity across Southport town centre and the waterfront, from improved pedestrian and cycling routes, to the creation of new public spaces.

As part of the business case development key routes were identified and improvements highlighted that could be made to make a big difference across the town.

Phase one identified existing areas of investment and looks at linking key areas of the town centre. The investment includes the Market, King Street and portions of Eastbank Street and Chapel St with the aim being to change the appearance, making it more attractive to visit and easier to navigate. The works look at the highway network and the potential changes required to achieve this.

Consultation took place with the local businesses and wider area around the projects with Road Traffic Orders and approvals from the licencing and regulatory committee being obtained. WSP, as the framework provider, has now started the detailed design and the team have commissioned a landscaping report to look at the materials used.

Early contractor involvement with Balfour Beatty has been undertaken with the feasibility work now underway. The detailed design is being progressed with more feedback on the detailed design and programme associated with it expected early 2024.

Changes to the traffic movements in the areas affected include a section of 20 mph, one way traffic along King Street and partly pedestrianising Market Street. Key stakeholder groups such as Southport Access for Everyone (SAFE) have been involved but further engagement will take place once the detailed design is complete with a wide range of stakeholders.  Revised artistic impressions have been produced based on the current proposals of Market Street which will be used for further engagement activities.

The key challenges and next steps moving forward will be fully explored once the Contractor’s feasibility work is complete. Understanding the contractors programme, is key to minimising disruption and commencing on site as soon as possible. There are increased cost pressures, but this will be reviewed in line with the design development. The team are keen to place long lead orders to enable the start in 2024 and minimise disruption, as such some preliminary works will be undertaken before the start of the main works. Future phases are also in progress, subject to funding, and some imagery produced based on the analysis carried out to date.

RF made enquiries on the timings of works and how business would be affected. AD confirmed that the detailed programme is to be finalised but access will be maintained throughout the work, and aim remains to minimise impact on businesses during peak periods.

DM asked for data based on the number of businesses consulted and the response rates. AD confirmed that a consultation report has been produced and will confirm the actual figures after the meeting.

DM also queried landscaping proposals and the plans in place for ongoing maintenance.  AD confirmed that a landscaping report has been produced and input received from the highways maintenance team and Green Sefton.

DM queried the road network loadings and ability to cope with peak demand throughout the year. AD confirmed that the Town Deal projects feed into the wider transport programme including the Eastern Access consultation, which is currently underway.

AG requested information on the traffic impact study carried out. AD confirmed that the traffic modelling simulations have fed into the total centre mapping and noted that Southport does not follow the typical peak hour profiles. The model is being built up to reflect peaks. The proposals in phase one have been modelled and show minimal impact of the changes on surrounding routes.

PH queried the level of works to be undertaken on Chapel Street. AD confirmed that rationalisation of the street furniture will take place as part of phase 1, but more detailed review and further exercise, and partner engagement around the train station, needed to improve the overall appearance and functionality of Chapel Street. This is earmarked for future phases.

RF enquired about the discussions with wider stakeholder groups such as the station. AD confirmed that colleagues are in ongoing discussions with key stakeholders.

RA asked if the design information will be shared after the meeting. AD confirmed that the landscaping report and detailed design will be shared once complete and be shared with all stakeholders as part of the ongoing engagement.

Enterprise Arcade

CW provided an overview of the Enterprise Arcade. The Contractor procurement exercise has been concluded with Skyline identified as the preferred bidder. Contracts are due to be signed this month (December 2023).

The construction period is due to commence in early 2024 and run through to Autumn 2024, with the tenant fit out to follow.

An external Creative and Digital Support specialist has been procured who will be introduced to key stakeholders and feed into the contractor-led design development when on site.

A stakeholder engagement event has been scheduled at the next Huddle (February 2023, which will take place in the Studio at the Atkinson).

RF requested that Board members are given details of the Huddle and attend if they can. CW confirmed the event is run by Invest Sefton and details can be shared. CW can also arrange a tour of the building prior to the works or programme a visit when in progress subject to Health and safety restrictions.

MLEC

SW provided an update on the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Diversion and pre-enabling works is ongoing. Hoarding has been erected and utility orders placed.

Contractor roles have been reviewed and the demolition and enabling works and main contract will be progressed through separate tender processes.

In terms of operator, ASM global have been acquired by Legends Hospitality. The legal agreement is progressing, and the acquisition will bring global event expertise to the facility. ASM are involved in the detailed design phase and working alongside the project team.

The hoarding has been erected to protect the significant pre-enabling works and the site. Social value activities are continuing with positive feedback from the hoarding design competition with the Southport Learning Trust. Activities also include clean up sessions, and wider education and support such as career events and women in construction event at Hugh Baird college.

Building Better Customer Experience

MB provided an update on the progress Southport College and partners have made on strand 2 of the Building Better Customer Experience project.

MB noted that the project is running well and is expecting demand to increase in the new year after the current seasonal demand. Outputs are expected to exceed target figures by the next reporting period.

Marketing materials have been disseminated with QR codes and direct link to the enquiry pages.

Learner’s feedback has been positive with participants gaining certification and pin badge upon completion of the course. This aim being this will become more widely recognisable across the town as an excellent service standard.

The college continue to work closely with employers and are flexible to amend modules to suit their particular business interest. They have tried to reach out to a variety of different businesses and organisations to reflect the range of different sectors in the town.

DM queried if businesses representing the nighttime economy were aware of the project along with smaller businesses. MB confirmed that the team are reaching out more than once to these types of businesses and recognise their demand on time may not prioritise training when other business need is more pressing. DT also added that links through the Pub watch scheme and Southport Bid can help promote the range of services on offer.

CW added that strands 1 and 3 are also progressing, with module development and promotion of the new material scheduled throughout 2024.