A £9 million investment in Southport’s economic future has taken a major step forward after ambitious plans were approved to build new headquarters for a rapidly growing family business.
EFT Group, one of the town’s most influential employers, has now secured planning approval for the development of a new headquarters at Southport Business Park, marking another significant milestone in the project that has been supported by Sefton Council.
The investment will see a long-vacant site on Wight Moss Way transformed into a modern base for the growing business, incorporating office, training and light industrial facilities.
It is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between the Council and private sector businesses to help to unlock development and regeneration opportunities, as well as encourage long-term investment in Southport.
EFT Group, which specialises in life safety, security and construction services, has continued to expand in recent years all while maintaining its commitment to their home town.
Working closely with the EFT directors, Sefton Council’s Business and Regeneration teams have helped progress proposals to bring the previously undeveloped land into use.
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The site, which has remained vacant for more than a decade, has historically presented significant development challenges including difficult ground conditions.
However, through sustained partnership working detailed progress has been made on land arrangements, development proposals and potential funding support, helping create the ideal conditions for the expansion to become a reality.
However, through sustained partnership working detailed progress has been made on land arrangements, development proposals and potential funding support, helping create the ideal conditions for the expansion to become a reality. The project is also the subject of a live funding bid to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which would help unlock the next phase of delivery.
The development has also been supported by a Section 106 contribution linked to Aldi’s investment in Southport, helping unlock the delivery of new employment space at Southport Business Park and demonstrating how investment from the private sector can be reinvested to support further business growth, jobs and opportunities in the town.
The scheme is also expected to support local employment and skills opportunities, building on EFT Group‘s existing commitment to apprenticeships and developing the next generation of workers.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Southport and another clear demonstration of the confidence that the private sector has in Sefton’s economic future.
“What makes this development particularly significant is the robust partnership behind it. By working closely with EFT our officers have helped overcome longstanding challenges that the site has faced.
“This is exactly the kind of positive collaboration we want to encourage across Sefton for the benefit of our residents.
“We are determined to keep building on that momentum and support anyone who shares our ambition for the Borough.
Stewart Meechan, Director of EFT Group, said: “As a local family company, we are proud of our roots in Southport.
“This development reflects our commitment to the area and our belief in its future, with this investment EFT Group is firmly bedding our roots into Southport for the next 50 years, creating a lasting base for our business, our employees and the next generation of workers across Sefton.
“Securing planning permission is a hugely important milestone for everyone who has worked hard to bring this development forward.
“The support and collaboration we have received from Sefton Council has been instrumental in helping us reach this stage.”
Subject to further arrangements the development is due to commence in 2027.
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