A developer has been appointed for a £15m cultural scheme in Southport, Merseyside.

Bovis Lend Lease won an £11.5m contract to develop the project, which will see the town's Grade II-listed arts centre, library and gallery completely refurbished and joined together to create a theatre, museum and music venue.

The project is being funded by the council, the Northwest Development Agency and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

Cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Mike Booth, said: "This is an incredible opportunity for us to support these significant amounts of external funding to deliver a first class development in Sefton.

"Although everyone is acutely aware of the current financial difficulties around the world, we are committed to providing the very best facilities for our residents and visitors and therefore the best opportunities to help support our businesses and communities."

Work has already begun on stripping out the existing buildings, which have become unfit for purpose due to their age and condition.

The project is expected to be completed in three years. A temporary library is currently being fitted out for residents to use while the work is underway.