Nearly one year after the tragic events in Southport that saw the death of three children, the government is committing to a memorial in the town
Southport Town Hall Garden will be renovated in dedication to Bebe King, Elsie Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar, the victims of the Southport stabbings last year.
This renovation of public space will also bring a community-focused events space.
This year is also expected to see the unveiling of the plans for the Grenfell memorial.
The community is involved with the Southport Town Hall Garden renovation
Prime minister Keir Starmer and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner met with families on 10 June to assure their support for the project and pledge the £5m to it.
This will be matched by £2.5m from Sefton Council, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will bring the investment to a total of £10m.
Sefton Council will lead the project, working with all the other parties to deliver a vibrant, family-friendly space able to host open-air performances, markets, and community events that brings community together and provides a place to remember and reflect.
“Town Hall Gardens will become a legacy inspired by our three beautiful and amazing girls”
The families of Alice Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Stancombe said: “This project is a vision we have all shared for some time, which is rooted in love, resilience and unity. We wanted to find a way to thank the people of Southport for standing shoulder to shoulder with us. Your compassion has never wavered and your strength has helped carry us forward.
“The regeneration of the Town Hall Gardens will become a legacy inspired by our three beautiful and amazing girls and it will be a space that is loved by many generations to come. It will be a place of joy, hope and community. A vibrant place where children and families can feel safe, connected and celebrated in the heart of our town.
“We are grateful to the prime minister and deputy prime minister, to Sefton Council and to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and each of the region’s Councils, for listening to our voices and helping us achieve the funding we need for this project. This is only the beginning, and we all walk forward together with our amazing community in Southport, with purpose and hope.”
The deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, said: “The strength of everyone in Southport has been beyond words and I am delighted that we are able to help with the families’ vision to give back to that amazing community, who continue to give everything they can to those families and victims.
“We are committing £5 million to help create a safe community space for connection, reflection, and renewal – a lasting symbol of hope, guided by the strength of the families and wider community.”
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