Southport Arts Centre

The arts centre was built in 1873–74 and was designed by Maxwell and Tuke. It initially contained an assembly hall on the first floor. The foundation stone was laid by Princess Mary of Cambridge and the building was originally named after her. The assembly hall was converted into a theatre in the 20th century.

The centre is constructed in sandstone ashlar with a slate roof. At the left end of the same front is a smaller tower with a Baroque-style roof, and in the centre is a tower-like attic dormer. Along the top of the building, between the towers, is a dentilled cornice with a pierced parapet. The interior of the centre contains an entrance hall with a coffered ceiling, and a stone staircase with florid Gothic columns. On the left of the front of the building facing Lord Street is the two-bay entrance to the Cambridge Arcade, and on the right is an arch linking it to the Atkinson Art Gallery and Library. Both of these have inscribed friezes, and both are included in the listing.

The arts centre forms part of the complex known as The Atkinson. On the left side of the entrance on the front facing Lord Street is a shop selling craft items, and on the right side is a small café known as the Bakery, The upper floors are occupied by a theatre and a performance space known as the Studio. The theatre seats 440 people and has a proscenium arch and facilities for cinema projection. The Studio can be used for a variety of purposes and it includes a permanent stage and balcony seating.