'Jewel of the coastline' - Historic Southport Pier repair works to begin as council issues major update

A full restoration of the unsafe structure, which has been closed since December 2022 for health and safety reasons, will now take place thanks to a £20 million investment from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund - subject to the business case being approved.

The case will be assessed at a special Growth Mission Fund panel later this month. Sefton Council is hopeful that, pending a successful outcome, works to Southport Pier should be expected to get underway in early 2026.

The Grade II listed structure, the second longest in Britain, stretches 3600 feet and encompasses breathtaking views of the town’s Marine Lake, Promenade and beach. It is estimated to contribute over £15 million annually to the local economy through tourism and hospitality.

£20 million investment from the Growth Mission Fund will enable urgent works to begin on the Victorian structure, with restoration expected to take around 14 months to complete.

The initial funding announcement, confirmed in September, follows extensive planning, structural assessments and public safety measures undertaken by Sefton Council since it was forced to temporarily close the pier.

The local authority says the Government funding will allow the restoration to go “far beyond” the original decking replacement plans approved three years ago. It will now include full replacement of decking boards and timber joists, extensive steelwork repairs and replacements due to corrosion, installation of new gates and CCTV and the implementation of a new long-term maintenance regime.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said: “I have been on record countless times saying we would be ready to start these works as soon as we get funding and we are staying completely true to our word.

“A two-stage design and build procurement process has already been completed, while listed building consent is also secured.

"We were delighted with the announcement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2025 who, as we do, recognises the importance of Southport Pier and the agreement to support the pier with up to £20 million of investment.

“The council has now submitted a full and complete business case to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and we still expect work will begin in early 2026. We are working closely with the DBT to progress this process at pace.

“The business case has set out the up-to-date construction costs while also addressing the need for ongoing yearly maintenance including options such as the use of the Pier contingency fund, planning obligations and other forms of income raising initiatives.

“Southport Pier is a structure with a rich history but regrettably with a poor refurbishment programme carried out in early 2000s the refurbishment left the pier very vulnerable.”

She said the council has “never considered giving up” on the pier, noting it is a “symbol of Southport’s identity and history”.

Consultation with Historic England, the Southport Pier Trust, and the Pier Society, will ensure the works fully respect the pier’s historic significance.

Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and the northern parishes, said: “This next step on the way to the reopening of Southport Pier is fantastic news for our town. Thanks to the Government’s £20 million commitment in the June spending review, this proposal now sets out a clear plan for the repair, reopening, and long-term maintenance of the Pier.

“As the jewel of Southport’s coastline, the pier's decline in recent years has been a matter of both local and national concern.

“This proposal by Sefton Council offers a promising opportunity to restore a much-loved landmark and reaffirm this Government’s commitment to the preservation and support of local cultural heritage. Its revival will not only boost our local economy but also reignite pride across throughout my constituency.”