THESE pictures reveal the progress being made in a multi-million pound project set to revitalise Southport’s image as a classic seaside resort.

Bosses overseeing the £17m scheme hope the new-look Atkinson Centre will play a pivotal role in boosting the town’s economy.

After being closed for more than two years the overhaul of Southport Arts Centre is entering its final stages before its reopening at the Jazz Festival next May.

The outside of the building has had a facelift, with brickwork and clock faces restored.

Inside the 140-year-old building is being updated with the latest in digital, sound and light technology to transport it into a modern cultural hub.

The centre is now one-third bigger than when it closed just over two years ago after taking over the old bank on the corner of Lord Street and Eastbank Street.

Also incorporated into the centre is theatre which will hold just over 400 people and a 300-capacity studio.

Both will hold state-of-the-art digital equipment aimed at engaging younger audiences in film and computer games and how they are designed.

John Taylor, head of arts and culture at Sefton Council, said: “If we all buy into this it will do a lot of good for the town. If we put money in and it is good quality, people will come.”