Sefton to advance Lakeside overhaul

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre is to be redeveloped, after the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority agreed to fund the £3.1m project.

As outlined by Place North West in July 2020, the proposals designed by Imagineering Global include plans for a 2,200 sq ft conference and events space to be constructed on an area of hardstanding to the west of the building. 

An additional 38 beds across eight rooms would be accommodated within a ‘bunk barn’, constructed on the roof of the building to provide an extra 2,000 sq ft of sleeping space. Overall, the refurbished facility is intended to provide an improved hospitality offer. 

Sefton Council intends to set up a wholly-owned company to manage the operation, a move to be rubber-stamped by the council’s cabinet this week. The cabinet will also be asked to approve a working capital loan of £500,000 to support its launch and first 18 months of operaion.

The centre is situated at the entrance to Crosby Coastal Park and adjacent to Anthony Gormley’s Another Place installation and has for many years provided sports and gym facilities for Sefton residents and visitors.

Cllr Ian Maher, leader of Sefton Council, said: “The establishment of a council-owned company will allow us to implement a first-class hospitality offer that will put the customer experience at the heart of everything we do, whilst creating positive outcomes for Sefton residents by generating quality employment and training opportunities within the borough.

“I understand that visitors may currently miss being able to take advantage of our bar and café facilities while works are ongoing, but I assure people that it will be worth the wait.”

The project forms part of Sefton’s drive to improve facilities in the area, with lighting along cycle and pedestrian paths in the coastal park also to be delivered, along with the restoration of the lake water management system.

The construction project and external works are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.