New Warehouse Arts Centre brings arts hub to Southport this summer
Spotlight on local talent as Southport’s cultural scene expands
A new arts venue, the Warehouse Arts Centre, is set to open this summer in Southport, aiming to enhance the town’s cultural landscape with live music, arts, and creativity.
The arts centre, located on West Street in Southport town centre, is a redevelopment of a well-known former restaurant site. Inspired by the iconic Warehouse restaurant, the venue is set to play a pivotal role in supporting and showcasing local talent.
Construction work has already commenced, with the opening planned for later this summer.
Behind this initiative are Ella, Spud and Yvette Cooper, owners of Cooper’s Bar, who are teaming up with Andrew Portersmith MBE and Stephanie Portersmith from Music Stuff, alongside a dedicated team from Tides Out Studios.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley has praised the project's grassroots music efforts, addressing the House of Commons on 5th February. He commended Coopers Bar for supporting local music and highlighted the expansion to the new venue.
Steven Gerrard, former Liverpool FC captain and part owner of the original restaurant, famously touted the site as his favourite eating place in interviews.
The Coopers have expressed their excitement about the move, aiming to debut the venue without an exact opening date yet, but preparing for a summer launch. Known for their commitment to grassroots music, they are eager to accommodate bigger audiences in the four-storey building.
The venue will host live music, have a new stage for performances, and relocate Cooper’s Music from Union Street. It will include an art gallery, recording studio, shop selling arts and crafts, teaching spaces, yoga events, and classes for art, music, and theatre.
The Warehouse Arts Centre aims to reinforce Southport’s cultural status in the North West. For updates on the venue, follow Coopers Bar on Facebook or visit their website.