The families of Bebe King, Elsie Stancombe and Alice Aguiar will
take a leading role in shaping the renovation of Southport's Town
Hall Gardens as a thank you to the community who have supported
them.
The renovation will see the Town Hall Gardens, which became a
beacon of support and solidarity in Southport last year, become
an inclusive community-focused events space in the heart of
Southport Town Centre.
In a meeting with the families today (10 June), the Prime
Minister and Deputy Prime Minister expressed their full support
for the project and pledged £5 million for its development. This
government funding will be matched by £2.5 million each from
Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
(LCRCA), bringing the total investment to £10
million.
Once complete, the space will be a vibrant, family-friendly
destination - hosting open-air performances, markets, and
community events - while also offering a unifying setting where
people can come together to remember and reflect.
The families of Alice Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie
Stancombe said:
This project is a vision we have all shared for some time, which
is rooted in love, resilience and unity. We wanted to find a way
to thank the people of Southport for standing shoulder to
shoulder with us. Your compassion has never wavered and your
strength has helped carry us forward.
The regeneration of the Town Hall Gardens will become a legacy
inspired by our three beautiful and amazing girls and it will be
a space that is loved by many generations to come. It will be a
place of joy, hope and community. A vibrant place where
children and families can feel safe, connected and celebrated in
the heart of our town.
We are grateful to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister,
to Sefton Council and to the Liverpool City Region Combined
Authority and each of the region's Councils, for listening
to our voices and helping us achieve the funding we need for this
project. This is only the beginning, and we all walk forward
together with our amazing community in Southport, with purpose
and hope.
The Deputy Prime Minister, , said:
The strength of everyone in Southport has been beyond words and I
am delighted that we are able to help with the families' vision
to give back to that amazing community, who continue to give
everything they can to those families and victims.
We are committing £5 million to help create a safe community
space for connection, reflection, and renewal - a lasting symbol
of hope, guided by the strength of the families and wider
community.
Sefton Council will lead the delivery of the project, working in
partnership with the Deputy Prime Minister, , and the LCRCA. Further
details on next steps will be announced in due course.
