'National support required' to bring Merseyside landmark back to life

Aerial view of Southport Pier on a sunny afternoon
-Credit:Getty Images


An open meeting will discuss ideas about the restoration and reopening of Southport Pier. The pier, which opened in 1860 and is the oldest iron pier in the United Kingdom, has been closed since December 2022 due to health and safety concerns after a period of extreme weather.

Analysis of the pier's structure determined the popular attraction was no longer safe to use and it has been closed osince. During this period, Southport residents and visitors have been eager for the pier to reopen while many local business owners have told the ECHO they are depending on it for survival.

In October, Sefton Council submitted a planning application for the replacement and repair works to the pier's deck and supporting steelwork - including refurbishment and reinstatement of handrails and seating pavilions. As part of the application, the local authority has requested an assessment from Historic England who subsequently approved the plans.

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The open meeting will take place at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant on the Promenade, Southport, between 11am and 12.30pm on Friday, 31st January 2025. It is designed as a gathering for people who want to see Southport Pier open once again, to hold an open discussion, and to seek ideas.

Serena Silcock-Prince, Silcock Leisure Group's head of operations, said: "Southport Pier is our town’s major landmark; it attracts so many visitors from across the country, and we all want to see people able to walk down it once again. Southport needs a boost. This would make such a huge difference to our town.

Southport beach and pier
Southport beach and pier -Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

"We have been greatly encouraged by Sefton Council submitting a full planning application outlining how the pier can be repaired, and are appreciative of their consistent and firm backing they have demonstrated for restoration to be done. We appreciate that the costs involved, both in terms of restoration and ongoing maintenance, are significant.

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"Southport Pier is a heritage landmark of national significance. It has been hosting visitors and supporting tourism in our region ever since it opened in 1860. With growing pressures on council budgets from priorities such as adult and children’s social care, there is no way that Sefton would ever be able to find sufficient funding through their own finances. No local authority could. We need national support."

She added: "Local residents and local businesses in Southport are fully behind Sefton Council’s ambition to see Southport Pier restored and reopened, and we are keen to explore options about how we can help make that vision become a reality. Southport Pier stands proudly near the new Marine Lake Events Centre, a £73m scheme which is being built thanks to Sefton Council, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Town Deal funding, which is so exciting for our town. .

"When it opens, MLEC will be a brand new landmark for our region. Positive things are happening and we need that momentum to continue. The first visitors to see the new MLEC facility would be wowed by also seeing a restored Southport Pier nearby. We look forward to seeing everyone at our open meeting."