Southport looks to future as major conference destination as Southport Theatre and Convention Centre assess redevelopment options

IPW is a specialist sport, venues, entertainment and business events consultancy and have an international profile working on the development of multi-use venues.

STCC is already one of the UK’s largest integrated conference centres, offering 14 flexible event spaces suitable for a variety of events, an award-winning hotel and experience facilities including a 1,631-seat theatre auditorium and casino.

The Theatre has enjoyed a rich history, having hosted stellar names including The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross and The Four Tops. In more recent years, crowds at the venue have enjoyed comic talent including Peter Kay and The League of Gentlemen.

Recently Sefton Council agreed to invest circa £1m to carry out essential remedial works to the venue (with dates yet to be confirmed) and will be seeking to further enhance Southport’s standing as a leading conference destination with further investment in STCC.

Bliss Investment Partners have now been appointed on a short-term basis to manage the theatre whilst the council looks for a long-term operator.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is an important part of Southport’s visitor economy and will continue to be an asset in the future.  STCC is due to host a number of large-scale conferences and events in the coming months, including welcoming over 250 delegates from the National Union of Journalists, 400 delegates for the NUS conference in May and last month over 600 delegates attended the Labour Party regional conference, which alone helped to boost the local economy by £500,000.

“With the economic potential that conferences and other events bring it is vital that we continue to support the venue, invest in its future and help unlock Southport’s destination as a major conference destination.”

Robert Agsteribbe, Co-Founder Bliss Investment Partners, said:

“We are delighted to be involved with Sefton, and others, in the planning stage of the reinvention of STCC.  This is a wonderful opportunity to provide a 21^st century state of the art building.  When complete we will have a hugely improved experience and, all in all, something which Southport will once again be so very proud of.”