24 Feb Plans For Southport Resort Continue To Move Forward
The £75m Southport based ‘leisure beach and thermal spa’ will create hundreds of jobs and attract thousands of visitors to the town, boosting the local economy and playing a key role in the regeneration of Southport.
Initial plans revealed in late 2020 places The Cove Resort next to the former open-air sea bathing lake that closed in 1989. Co-founders Tony Howard and Tamlyn Stone say the new development, will bring “health and wellbeing coupled with active fun, all year round”.
As well as featuring a four-star hotel, there will be attractions for all ages, including swimming, surfing lagoon, fitness facilities and many other exciting indoor/outdoor leisure activities. The pools of water will be designed to improve metabolism and increase circulation, offering more of a relaxing experience. Steam rooms, saunas, Turkish baths, and a heated outdoor relaxation pool will also be a part of the scheme. The terrace and main public space will offer panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
WWA has been selected as the construction consultant, along with architects Leonard Design, and wave providers Whitewater West.
A ‘pre-application’ proposal has been submitted to Sefton Council with a detailed planning application underway once final terms have been agreed with Sefton Council. It is anticipated the full planning process may take up to 12 months, followed by a construction period of two years. The Co-founders are hopeful the resort will be open in 2025 if all agreements are in place.
One of the Co-founders, Tony, is determined that The Cove doesn’t just become an isolated attraction and be widely available to local residents and become part of the town and community.
Our Manchester Office Lead and Partner, Martin Bennett, confirmed that being involved with such a prestigious project was an immensely proud moment both personally and for the Ward Williams Associates Manchester team. “After meeting Tony and Tamlyn early in the process and explaining our work on a similar scheme in Bristol, we have nothing but admiration for them with the ongoing hard work and sheer determination to make this project an overwhelming success for not only the town but for the region.”
