GRAHAM has pulled out of the scheme after a price for the job could not be agreed upon
The Sefton Southport Events Centre is now in talks with three firms to work on the scheme, now that costs have exceeded budget.
The budget was set at £73m for the facility, but due to inflation, will now be higher.
A new contractor is expected to be appointed by March
The events centre will feature a theatre with 1,200 seats, and a conference space with capacity for 2,400 participants.
GRAHAM was originally appointed in January, replacing Kier. GRAHAM has now also walked away from the job.
Sefton Council feel that this project could boost the local economy by £19m per year, and is offering required funding to bridge whatever gap exists between the budget of £73m and the final price with whichever new contractor steps forward.
The original budget was set in 2020, but major global events since then have impacted the economy, with a report stating: “there have been enormous impacts of unpreceded inflationary rates and significant market pressures including COVID, the Ukraine / Russia Conflict, Brexit, and factors affecting schemes similar to MLEC in the construction industry. From the outset, the project team have continually and creatively evolved the scheme without any material detriment to the quality or scale, it has battled through multiple challenges to get back on budget at each design stage.”
Southport is the site of rejuvenation
In June, the government announced a £5m investment into regenerating the Southport Town Hall Garden, in memory of the three children who were tragically murdered in the town a year prior: Bebe King, Elsie Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar.
The renovation will create a community-focused events space to the garden, using the £5m pledged by the government with £2.5m from Sefton Council, and £2.5m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, to create a “legacy inspired by our three beautiful and amazing girls.”
At the time, former deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, communities, and local government, 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 £5m 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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