Getting to MLEC
Transport, parking, and access guide for the Marine Lake Events Centre, Southport.
Address
Marine Drive, Southport, PR8
On the Promenade, site of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre
By Train
15 min from Southport Station
Merseyrail Southport Line — terminus station on Lord Street
By Car
Junction 3 off M58
Follow signs for Southport Promenade / Seafront on arrival
Terry's Advice
Honestly? Take the train. Southport Station is the end of the line — you cannot accidentally miss your stop. The walk from the station to MLEC is flat, straightforward, and takes you right through the town centre past Lord Street. If you're coming by car, the biggest mistake is arriving too close to showtime and spending the first 20 minutes of your evening trying to find a space. Get there early, grab a coffee on Lord Street, and walk down. Much better night.
Transport Options
By Train (Merseyrail)
Southport is the northern terminus of the Merseyrail Southport Line, with direct trains from Liverpool Central (about 50 minutes), Formby (20 minutes), and Ormskirk (change at Meols Cop). Trains run frequently and the station is well-lit and accessible.
Route / Steps
- 1Alight at Southport Station on Lord Street
- 2Turn right out of the station onto Lord Street
- 3Walk down Lord Street towards the seafront (10 minutes)
- 4Turn right onto the Promenade / Marine Drive
- 5MLEC is on your left, directly on Marine Lake (5 minutes)
Tips
- Check the last train time before you go — services reduce in the evening
- The walk from the station is well-lit and straightforward
- Accessible route: no significant gradients, smooth pavements throughout
- On event nights, trains from Southport may be busier — allow extra time
By Car
Southport is easily accessible by road. Junction 3 of the M58 provides the main motorway link. The Promenade itself has some surface parking, and Southport's town centre car parks are within a 10–20 minute walk of MLEC. For major events, expect road congestion on the Promenade — arrive early or consider parking further out and walking in.
Route / Steps
- 1From M58: Exit at Junction 3, follow signs for Southport town centre
- 2Follow signs to the Promenade / Seafront
- 3Promenade surface parking is closest to MLEC (pay & display)
- 4Town centre multi-storey car parks: Chapel Street, Mornington Road (10–15 min walk)
- 5King's Gardens car park also close to the Promenade route
Tips
- Promenade car parks will fill quickly on event nights — arrive at least 60 minutes early
- Town centre NCP car parks offer overnight parking — useful if you're staying nearby
- Do NOT drive if attending an evening event and planning to drink — Southport taxis are plentiful
- For accessibility parking, drop-off points will be clearly signed at MLEC
By Taxi or Ride Share
Southport has a good taxi network — both traditional cabs and Uber/ride-share operate in the town. After major events, there will be higher demand, so pre-booking for the return journey is strongly advised. Several taxi ranks operate in the town centre.
Route / Steps
- 1Pre-book a taxi for the return journey before attending the event
- 2Taxi ranks are on Lord Street (near the station) and Cambridge Road
- 3Uber and Bolt both operate in Southport — download the app before travelling
- 4Hotel taxis can be arranged through reception if you're staying locally
Tips
- Don't rely on hailing a cab after a major show — they will all be booked
- Share a taxi with other event-goers if possible — reduces cost and demand
- Taxis from Southport to Formby/Ormskirk: approximately £15–25
- For disability-adapted vehicles, pre-book directly with a local firm
By Bus
Several Arriva bus services connect Southport with surrounding areas including Ormskirk, Crosby, and Formby. Bus stops on Lord Street and the Promenade area are closest to MLEC. For most visitors travelling from outside Southport, the train is faster and more reliable — but bus is a valid option for local travel.
Route / Steps
- 1Check Traveline (traveline.info) for live bus timetables to Southport
- 2Services 47, 105, X2 serve Southport from surrounding areas
- 3Alight in Southport town centre, then walk to the Promenade (10 min)
- 4Check return times before you travel — evening services reduce significantly
Tips
- Download the Arriva Bus UK app for live bus times
- Contactless payment accepted on most Merseyside buses
- Last buses from Southport town centre: check Traveline — typically before midnight
- Not ideal for arriving at a set time — allow plenty of extra time
Car Parking Near MLEC
| Car Park | Walk to MLEC | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promenade Surface Car Parks | 1–3 min walk | Pay & Display | Closest to MLEC. Fills fast on event nights. Arrive 60+ minutes early. |
| King's Gardens Car Park | 5–8 min walk | Pay & Display | Good option if Promenade is full. Scenic walk through King's Gardens to MLEC. |
| Chapel Street Multi-Storey (NCP) | 12–15 min walk | Multi-Storey / Overnight | Overnight parking available. Good for stays. Walk via Lord Street and the Promenade. |
| Mornington Road Car Park | 12–15 min walk | Surface / Town Centre | One of the larger town centre options. Walk via the gardens or Lord Street. |
| Marine Drive (on-street) | 2–5 min walk | On-Street (limited) | Very limited. Do not rely on this — aim for pay & display car parks instead. |
Event nights: Parking availability will be significantly reduced for major concerts and sell-out events. Always have a backup parking option in mind, and consider the train if possible.
Accessibility
MLEC is being built to modern accessibility standards. Specific accessibility provisions — including accessible seating, hearing loops, accessible car parking, and drop-off points — will be confirmed ahead of opening. The route from Southport train station is flat with good pavements throughout.
- Southport Station is step-free accessible (lifts available)
- The walk from station to MLEC is entirely flat with smooth pavements
- Accessible parking bays will be designated at or near MLEC — details TBC
- For disabled-adapted taxis, pre-book with local specialist firms
- Full accessibility guide to be published by Sefton Council ahead of 2027 opening