Bovis picks up Southport Cultural Centre

Bovis Lend Lease has been selected by Sefton Council for the £11.4m contract to refurbish Southport Arts Centre and adjoining Atkinson Art Gallery and Southport Central Library to create an enlarged attraction.

The listed 140-year-old buildings on Lord Street form a key element in the regeneration of Southport town centre. Sefton Council wants to attract higher profile exhibitions and performances with a view to increasing visitor numbers to the resort.

The two years of works consist of internal reconfiguration to improve accessibility and linkages between the various facilities within the building, renewal and improvements to the mechanical and electrical systems, reshaping the theatres and library spaces, installing a new café and toilet facilities and enhancements of the gallery spaces.

Funding for the project was agreed in 2009 and will come from the North West Development Agency, the Government's national Sea Change programme, Heritage Lottery Fund, and Sefton Council.

Capita Symonds advises Sefton Council.