Southport £2m Pier improvement works has officially started

Major refurbishment work on Southport Pier has started as part of a multi-million pound project benefiting the whole resort.

Sefton Council secured £2m from the Coastal Community Fund in order to undertake the extensive works to the Pier – the oldest cast iron pier in the UK and second longest.

The overall project will deliver more than £2.9 million worth of improvements creating additional jobs, increasing visitor numbers and securing Southport Pier as a valued asset for many years to come.

Remaining funding has been allocated from Sefton Council’s Pier contingency fund – demonstrating Sefton’s commitment to maintaining The Grade II listed Pier.

The refurbishment of the Pier structure is being carried in two stages – first phase will be completed in December and the second phase will start in March, 2018 with the Pier kept fully open during the works.

The main contractor is Taziker Industrial of Bolton who are a specialist engineering contractor and have refurbished some of the country’s most high profile historic bridges such as Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge and the Tay Bridge.

The overall project is due to finish in December 2018.

Other works include:
• The creation of new retail and food units
• New extension to the Pier pavilion
• New steps linking the Pier deck with the beach below
• Improvements to railings around Marine Lake
• Wrapped up by a comprehensive visitor welcome package

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“We are delighted the works on Southport Pier has started which will truly transform the attraction.

“The works will see major improvements that will improve access, add new uses while enhancing and protecting The Pier for years to come.

“We firmly believe the money being invested will continue to be a critical element in Sefton’s visitor economy offer that attracts millions of visitors every year.

“The Pier project is an important element of the Southport Development Framework, which was key in attracting this funding. Along with Sefton’s own investment, it clearly shows that Sefton is open for business as we continue to value and support the growth of the visitor economy.”