| Pugh urges new vision for Southport station |
| Monday, 02 July 2007 | |
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Local MP John Pugh is urging the council to take the bull by the horns and lay out a new vision for the area around Southport station and he claims his views are backed by business analysts and key players involved in the regeneration of the resort. Dr Pugh comments: "There are projects around for improved parking, a bus/rail interchange and big retailer developers showing interest but it now needs the council to layout and advertise a proper development brief. The area round the station is complex and in multiple hands much of it being owned by pension funds and only a council has the clout to bring it all together and produce a proper development brief." He goes on to say: "Sefton have responded to previous suggestions by commissioning a retail strategy and research but that will tell us mostly what we know already that we need improved parking and units large enough to attract brand leaders like GAP into town. Developments in Chapel St and Lord St by themselves won't do that. Big brand names have big floor-space requirements. "In an increasingly competitive retail world, we need not more shops but the right shops - top range shops that anchor development . We need to link Central 12 to the town centre and draw people along Wesley St. The station area is the last piece of the jigsaw. "Ten years ago Railtrack Property Division were talking about bringing a major department store in. Recently one of the biggest retail property developers in the country has been talking to the Planning Department. I have spoken at length with Network Rail about their £6M refurbishment plans and will do again this week. "Nothing is though going to fall into Southport's lap. The council needs to consult,layout its stall and then allow the private sector to respond to its requirements- with clear emphasis on enhancing retail and parking quality and range." |