Promenade Concept Design Consultation - You Said We Did
A public consultation was held on Les Transformations de Southport Phase 2 design for Southport Promenade in February 2025. Information on the improvements along The Promenade along with plans and visualisations was shared with key stakeholders.
The changes are to support access to the new Marine Lake Events Centre development and the wider waterfront. This means safer access for the pedestrians and visitors including pedestrians, coach and taxi drop-off and cyclists.
The Promenade is important to the heritage and attraction of the town centre, connecting the historic centre with the Marine Lake, Pier and waterfront.
Currently, the street offers a less ideal pedestrian experience with infrequent crossings and pavements interrupted by side roads. it also has no dedicated space to those travelling by bike and detracts from the attractiveness of the overall area which is popular for locals and tourists.
The aim of this scheme is to tackle these issues and create safer walking and cycling routes whilst also accommodating traffic, and on-street parking. Improved paving and landscaping will make the area more attractive.
Findings of the consultation
We asked for comments on the concept designs for Phase 2 along the Promenade in our initial consultation to highlight any changes to the design that should be made. The consultation results will be used to inform the next stages of the scheme as the Council moves towards confirming the final designs.
The main findings and answers to key queries can be found below:
You said
The pier is a priority scheme, and you would prefer funding to be allocated to its repair.
We did
In June 2025, Sefton Council received confirmation of financial backing from the government for Southport Pier’s restoration through the Growth Mission Fund. The Council is ready to go as soon as funding is secured and looks forward to finding out more detail about the Growth Mission Fund in due course.
You said
The proposed highway changes would lead to increased pollution and congestion.
We did
Proposals for the Promenade have been designed to improve conditions for motorists as well as walking and cycling.
Traffic modelling has been undertaken for all key junctions and no decisions that forecast a substantial increase in congestion have been made.
The proposals also aim to encourage more journeys to be taken by walking and wheeling which will reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.
You said
The proposed traffic changes could compromise safety.
We did
All designs have been developed following national safety guidelines and will be subject to a road safety audit to ensure a sufficient level of safety across the scheme.
The designs include more and improved pedestrian infrastructure such as crossings and pavement space to protect the most vulnerable road users.
You said
Existing cycle lanes should be connected, and the wider cycling network should be considered.
We did
There is a longer-term aim to have a joined up and coherent cycle network across Sefton and the Liverpool City Region.
The design has changed to include cycle lanes that link to existing cycle infrastructure on Marine Parade and new cycle infrastructure on Nevill Street. The Promenade is also part of long-term aspirations for cycling infrastructure in Southport and is identified as a key piece of infrastructure in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
You said
Who will maintain the scheme, particularly the planting elements?
We did
Sefton Council will be responsible for the maintenance if the scheme, We plan to use low maintenance plants and trees where possible to minimise long term upkeep. These will be subject to an ecology assessment.
You said
Motorists and car movements should take priority over interventions for cyclists and pedestrians as tourists prefer to drive.
We did
The designs have been made to allow for everyone to travel within the local area safely and efficiently regardless of mode.
In responding to feedback on motor vehicle movements, we have reinstated the right turn from Marine Parade onto the Promenade.
Additionally, we have made Nevill Street two-way for car park users of Maritime Court and maintained access to Victoria Leisure.
You said
Residential access is prohibited by the designs.
We did
Two-way access has been reintroduced to Marine Court and topographical surveys are being undertaken to assess access requirements along the Promenade. Any other changes will be shared in due course.
Changes to the design in response
Since the concept plan was consulted on, the following the changes have been made for the next stage of design. It should be noted, there will be further opportunity to comment as the design develops.
The changes are:
- For vehicles, include a Marine Parade southbound right-turn onto the Promenade southbound lane. This means from Marine Parade southbound, drivers could turn left or right onto the promenade.
- Changes to the Nevill Street plan so it remains two-way for car park users of the Maritime Court apartments. This means drivers leaving the car park can turn left or right onto Nevill Street.
- Nevill Street would remain two-way between Lord Street and Maritime Court car park, but one-way up to the Promenade.
- Wider pedestrian crossings across the Promenade at Nevill Street and in front of the Marine Lake Events Centre development. This means, the crossings will have capacity for a higher volume of pedestrians.
- Improve connections with existing pedestrian facilities on Marine Parade and install a new cycle lane on Nevill Street that will be sympathetic to the heritage setting in both paving colour and form.
- Plans to improve pedestrian information signs to provide connections to the coastal trail, town centre and lakeside north of the Promenade. This means improving the continuity of the design with existing facilities.