New builder sought for Marine Lake Events Centre as Council ends relationship with ‘preferred contractor’

Sefton Council is set to terminate its partnership with Kier Group PLC, the company initially selected to construct the proposed Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC), OTS News has learned.

This decision marks a dramatic change from Sefton Council, who just a few months ago announced that Kier Group was their ‘preferred contractor’ for the £73 million theatre project.

Upon completion, the Marine Lake Events Centre will consist of a 1,200-capacity theatre and a 2,400-capacity convention centre. Sefton Council say work on the project is ongoing while Rob Fletcher, Chair of the Southport Town Deal Board, says the group is ‘pleased’ with progress.

Sefton confirmed in March that Kier Group were the ‘preferred contractor’ to build the complex after a ‘comprehensive tender process’. Kier Group had been instructed by Sefton Council to carry out ‘pre-contract’ work, such as removing heritage assets from the existing building.

The full bidding process and contract signing were due to have been completed by the end of 2023. The finalisation of this process has now been pushed back to 2024.

A Kier spokesperson said: “Kier has been proud to support Sefton Council with early enabling works on the Marine Lakes Event Centre and to have played a part in bringing forward this exciting project. Our involvement in the project will not extend to the main construction works, and we wish Sefton Council and the team all the best with this phase.”

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills for Sefton Council said: “While work is continuing both on and away from the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) site, we can confirm that Kier Group have been informed of our intention to end our pre-construction services agreement with them.

“Sefton Council wishes to thank Kier Group for their work on the MLEC project to date.

“The Local Authority and its extensive Delivery and Design team, which includes a number of industry leading experts, are continuing with all necessary works on site ahead of the planned demolition phase, which will commence in Spring 2024.

“One of the most recent stages of the project saw exploratory works relating to existing utilities around the site being successfully completed in record time.

“By completing these works swiftly and effectively, we were able to keep disruption to nearby residents, businesses and motorists to a minimum and reopen the Promenade to traffic a week earlier than planned.

“Detailed steps are now being taken to appoint contractors for the enabling and demolition works, along with the main contract for the MLEC project.”

Rob Fletcher, Chair of the Southport Town Deal board, added: “While the Council is the accountable body for this project, the Town Deal board and I are updated on, and pleased with, progress of the MLEC project.

“We can see the ongoing work of the Council, and its project team members, to effectively manage such a large and complex construction project, and we remain passionate and supportive for the scheme given its huge benefit to the Southport economy.

“We look forward to next steps.”