The Liverpool based developer has submitted a revised planning application for a £73m scheme which could safeguard the future of the Floral Pavillion in New Brighton.

Neptune was forced to reconsider significant elements of its scheme after the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government declined its bid for planning permission earlier this year.

After carefully studying the findings of Ruth Kelly and her colleagues, Neptune now proposes to divide the redevelopment project into phases, as recommended by planning officials.

The application for the £17m first phase of works includes vital work to upgrade and refurbish the renowned Floral Pavillion Theatre and develop conference facilities, a town square, 43 apartments and 6,300 sq ft (585 sq m) of leisure facilities.

Steve Parry, managing director of Neptune Developments, said: ‘The Floral Pavillion Theatre is one of the resort’s greatest assets and its potential closure due to poor condition would be a major blow. We are optimistic that the refurbishment of the theatre and the delivery of new conference facilities as a first phase of a larger revised scheme will gain the support of the MWRP and Objective One boards.’

Neptune has already begun work on a £14.5m scheme to transform the seafront area at Southport. Plans to develop a casino, four-star hotel on the Floral Gardens site were approved by Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council in July.