Sefton Council’s decision to press ahead with the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) despite the project’s budget rising from £73m to £106m has provoked criticism from opposition councillors who say there was insufficient scrutiny of the additional costs.
Opposition voice concerns over process and long-term cost
The council’s Cabinet last month agreed to enter into a construction contract with Vinci Building Limited and to advance the scheme to the next stage, authorising acceptance of the increased budget. Cabinet is drawn entirely from the ruling Labour group, a fact the Liberal Democrats say meant opposition councillors were not present when the decision was made.
Liberal Democrat group leader John Pugh warned the extra £33m will add to the burden on council taxpayers for decades. At a full council meeting the party proposed an amendment emphasising the financial impact, including an estimated charge to the revenue budget.
"We note the significant impact of the additional £33m supplementary capital estimate for the Marine Lake Events Centre, which at current rates would impose a £3.6m charge on the revenue budget and council tax payer for the next 40 years."
Project background and funding
MLEC will be built on the site of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre and is intended to host entertainment shows, touring theatre, conferences and exhibitions. Project promoters estimate it could draw more than half a million visitors to Southport each year.
The scheme originally received a successful Town Deal bid of £37.5m and additional support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority of £17.7m. Construction is scheduled to begin in October following preliminary works earlier this summer; the project first received approval three years ago.
- Original approved budget: £73m
- Current projected cost: £106m
- Funding secured from Town Deal: £37.5m
- Contribution from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority: £17.7m
Financial implications and democratic scrutiny
At the council meeting Labour members moved to adopt financial management plans for the coming year, which included allocations related to the MLEC. The Liberal Democrats’ amendment highlighted what they described as a lack of democratic oversight during procurement and decision-making that led to the supplementary capital estimate.
Cabinet members voted to proceed with the contract with Vinci Building Limited after acknowledging the cost increase. The council has not reversed the decision; preliminary works are already under way and contractors are due to begin full construction later in the year.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original project budget | £73m |
| Revised project budget | £106m |
| Town Deal funding | £37.5m |
| LCR Combined Authority | £17.7m |
Opposition councillors say they seek clearer visibility of how the overspend arose and what contingency planning exists to protect council services and taxpayers if costs continue to rise. Labour members have maintained the decision to progress the project in the expectation of long-term benefits to Southport’s cultural and visitor economy.
With construction due to start in October and the council already committed to the contract, attention will now turn to project management and value-for-money oversight as the scheme moves from planning into delivery.
