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Summer 2004 Southport Seafront - what's been going on? Southport Seafront has undergone some distinctive developments this winter. the most prominent of these is the building of the Marine Way Bridge, which spans the Marine Lake between Ocean Plaza and the Promenade. The second development sees an 'eco-centre' built as a gateway to Southport at Esplanade Park and Ride carpark. Marine Way Bridge The official naming ceremony for the Marine Way Bridge took place on Friday 14th of May. Year 5 pupil Rebecca Petrie won a competition to name the new bridge and was guest of honour along with her Churchtown Primary classmates, joining Mayor of Sefton Cllr David Pearson to unveil a plaque commemorating the opening. Banks Brass Band provided music during the naming ceremony and then the bridge was opened to pedestrians giving them access for the very first time. Marine Way Bridge facts: It spans 120m. It is made of 18,000 tonnes of concrete. The anchor block at top of pylon weighs 60 tonnes and required a 500 tonne crane to lift into place. There are 31 miles of cables. The Eco Centre The building is a visually dramatic new transfer point into Southport, located at the Esplanade Park and Ride site. Each year over a quarter of a million people will pass through the Centre while using the Park and Ride facility. It is a practical demonstration of sustainable construction and renewable energy, and includes many innovative aspects such as the building-in of integrated renewables. Its features will include an integral 20 metre high wind turbine to generate electricity for the building, solar thermal water heating and ground source heat pumps to assist with heating, and water collection technology. The Centre will also be an important educational resource, featuring a classroom and exhibition area promoting the themes of energy, transport and tourism. It is expected that 4,000 school children will use the facility each year. Tourist Information Visitors will be able to obtain information on events and hotel bookings by computer, telephone and through free guide booklets. Coach Drivers Lounge Drivers will be able to access the rest area equipped with separate toilet and shower and relax in the lounge before collecting their passengers and continuing their journey home. Shopmobility To complement the town centre service that is already provided, this service will also be available from the Centre. Cycle Loan Scheme This free service is being extended to the Eco Visitor Centre where it will be managed through the Shopmobility Office Toilets and Refreshments Male, Female and Disabled facilities are available and vending machines will be installed in the Concourse/Exhibition area. All enquiries contact: Stuart Coggins, Sefton Council Telephone 0151 934 4705 Email stuart.coggins@technical.sefton.gov.uk For further information about Southport Seafront visit www.sefton.gov.uk For further information about Southport Eco-centre visit www.southportecocentre.com Home Page - Top www.seftoncoast.org.uk

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