UK’s ‘worst seaside resort’ to get huge £37.5million transformation | UK | Travel

It looks like sunny days are ahead for the English seaside town, which has long been the subject of bad reviews and brutal digs.

Southport on Merseyside, like many other coastal spots, was a major seaside resort in Victorian times. Southport Beach marks the northernmost point of Sefton’s stunning 20-mile coastline and has one of the most diverse natural habitats in the country. It serves as a refuge for thousands of migratory wading birds from their northern breeding grounds and is known for staging the Southport Air Show.

However, like many parts of the coast, it has been going through difficult times in recent years. The destruction of the Scarisbrick Hotel, once a magnificent feature of the city and now a shadow of its former glory, is clearly visible.

Former teacher Sean Byrne, 62, said: “This place used to be a gold mine. It was a great place to come for weddings and dining out. It was the jewel in the town’s crown.” Mr. Byrne said he was a lifelong resident. Liverpool Echo returns in 2024: “There’s a huge deterioration in the upkeep of the town. Look at the parks and cemeteries, they’re absolutely terrible.”

Southport has been named one of the UK’s worst seaside towns by which one two years in a row? Magazine.

Southport’s pier used to be one of the town’s major attractions, along with the shops on Lord Street, but both appear to be fading. The Grade II-listed pier is the second longest in the country but has been closed since December 2022 due to serious health and safety issues.

But the pier and many other parts of the city are set for a serious makeover this year, and locals hope it will radically change the feel of the place. Major restoration works at Southport Pier are planned to begin in early 2026. The transformation of England’s second longest pier, which consists of 68 bays and is 1,108 meters long, is expected to take 14 months.

In September last year the Government allocated up to £20 million from the Growth Mission fund to carry out Southport Pier repairs, subject to a full business case. Once back up and running, Southport Pier is estimated to generate £15 million a year in revenue for Southport’s economy.

The Liverpool City Region Development Partnership lists some of the biggest redevelopment projects locals and visitors will see taking shape this year. Some were inspired by the Government’s £37.5 million Southport Town Deal regeneration support.

• Southport Town Hall Gardens: £10 million transformation into family-friendly, flexible events and community space.
• Bebe’s Hive: New creative and safe space for children to explore grief at Cambridge Arcade.
• Marine Lake Events Center and Fantasy of Light: £73 million state-of-the-art attraction, activation works continue.
• Cove Resort: Plans are progressing for a £75 million leisure resort with an outdoor lagoon, spa and hotel on the Esplanade.
• Ainsdale Coastal Gateway: A vision for nature-led regeneration to strengthen the coastal zone and protect the dunes.
• The Garrick: redevelopment of the Art Deco building as the UK’s first theatre-spa hotel.
• Sefton Padel: Refurbished tennis courts along with new padel and park facilities are opening at Victoria Park.
• Footy Nation: Britain’s first football skills park under construction at Ocean Plaza Leisure Park.
• Southport Visitor building: Former newspaper office being converted into 26 flats with new ground floor shop.
• Leo’s Bar building: Art Deco landmark refitted with bars, retail units and new housing.

Southporters can also look forward to a year full of cultural events that continue the town’s entertainment tradition, according to Sefton Council. “For more than two centuries it has been a place of performance, spectacle and eccentric entertainment, where visitors from Napoleon III to Judy Garland have enjoyed Venetian gondolas taking over the water, Elephants parading down Lord Street, Camel Races on the beach and famous street performers diving from the pier,” the council’s website says. writes.

Giant Chandeliers, world-class circus performers and never-ending rainbows will be on display in Southport next year as part of a hugely ambitious program of new cultural events.

One of the UK’s most historic seaside destinations, Southport has long attracted visitors with its elegant boulevards, Victorian architecture and flamboyant history.

Event calendar for 2026

Lightport – February

A breathtaking, immersive light and sound installation by leading international artists Lucid Creates will transform the town into a rainbow of color and creativity.

Crystal Palace – April

World-famous French street theater company Transe Express brings its spectacular show Cristal Palace to Lord Street with a 15 meter wide flying chandelier, transforming the street into an open-air ballroom with live music, aerial performance and dance, the dazzling combination of art and theater will be one of the defining moments of the year.

Big Top Festival – May

Big Top Festival will take over the city with the best of modern circuses coming to one of the spiritual homes of the arts, including shows from world-famous companies such as Circa and Gandini Juggling. Audiences can expect breathtaking shows on outdoor stages, live music and hands-on workshops for all ages.

Southport Originals – summer

Throughout the summer, Southport’s much-loved calendar favorites return in style; The Southport Flower Show, Food and Drink Festival, Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Championship attract visitors from across the UK as they celebrate the city’s proud traditions.

Books Live! – October

Books Live! It is a reimagined literary festival designed for families and young readers. The half-term event will fill the town with storytelling installations, live performances and author-led workshops, transforming Southport into a living storybook. You can find all the details about the program here.

Councilor Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, said: “Southport has a rich and illustrious history, filled with great fun for all the family over generations. We are proud to be working with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Culture Liverpool to give Southport the attention it deserves with a year full of fantastic activities and free events.”

“2026 and beyond is an exciting time for the town, with the regeneration of the Town Hall Gardens, the creation of the Marine Lake Events Center and more coming in the pipeline. I hope everyone takes this festive time to relax because next year is going to be one that never ends! We can’t wait to welcome visitors to this full range of incredible events in this wonderful town.”