When you walk along Nevill Street in 2024, you might not be aware of the history that lies buried beneath your feet.
In recent years, the mystery of the ‘The Lost Street’ is a topic that has captured the imagination of Southport locals, visitors, and keen historians alike.
Over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, this hidden piece of Southport’s history will be brought to life in the form on an interactive 3D artwork.
‘The Lost Street’ will offer a glimpse of pre-1900 Nevill Street; reimagining the Victorian streetscape bustling with activity.
The interactive event is set to delight visitors, who are invited to pose for pictures ‘looking down’ over the street below.
The 6m x 3m anamorphic artwork will be in place on Nevill Street (alongside the statue of Queen Victoria) from Saturday May 25 to Monday May 27, 10am-5pm.
The event is part of the Southport Townscape Heritage Project and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Southport BID and Sefton Council.
Staff and volunteers from Southport Townscape Heritage Project will be on-site throughout, offering insights into the history of Nevill Street and its buildings.
Acclaimed artists 3D Joe and Max were commissioned to create the eye-catching artwork. Their rich portfolio includes work for brands such as Coca Cola, Disney Pixar, and Google.
- An example of the artist’s work in Gloucester’s Cathedral Quarter. ©3D Joe and Max
Joe Hill, of 3D Joe and Max, said: “We have created street art all over the world, and these events always generate a lot of excitement.
Projects like ‘The Lost Street’, which reveal the hidden histories of our places, are extra special and fascinating to work on.”
Today, Nevill Street rises up to the Promenade, but originally the road was cut through the sandhills and under a bridge to reach the seashore.
Two ramps led up either side of the bridge; one to the newly built Pier and the other to the Victoria Baths.
The space under these ramps was home to shops and bars which catered for the stream of visitors making their way to the seafront.
For further information, please contact:
Luke Randles, Head of Operations, Southport BID
luke@southportbid.com 07510925462
Sue Latimer, Heritage Skills and Learning Co-ordinator, Southport Townscape Heritage
sue.latimer@sefton.gov.uk 07816 114885
Southport Townscape Heritage Project is a regeneration and community project to bring new life to historic buildings on Southport’s streets, and to inspire local people and visitors to discover the town’s heritage. It was awarded £1.6m by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in September 2019
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
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