Southport’s Victorian Pier has been closed to the public since December 2022 and now Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the Government will offer up to £20m to restore and reopen it. Andrew Brown reports
Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited Southport on Saturday to announce the Government will restore the town’s historic pier with a £20m funding lifeline.
Dating back to 1860, the pier was closed to the public in December 2022 owing to the need for critical structural repairs. Work on the restoration of the landmark is expected to begin early next year.
This funding is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to “drive economic growth by attracting businesses, opportunity and jobs to every part of the country” and was announced to coincide with the start of the Labour Conference in Liverpool.
Up to £20m, which is subject to completion of a full business case assessment, will support Sefton Council, owner of the Grade II-listed pier, with its restoration. It will support local jobs, attract tourism and opportunity in Southport.
Completion of the restoration and reopening to the public is expected to take place within three years.
Rachel Reeves said: “Southport Pier is a beloved landmark. A national treasure that has been allowed to fall into disrepair, no longer. I’m proud that through our Plan for Change families across Merseyside should be able to enjoy this wonderful attraction again.”
This news was welcomed by Patrick Hurley, Labour MP for Southport, who said the pier was “an iconic structure and symbol of our history”.
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He added: “I am very grateful to confirm our government will deliver, and have committed up to £20m to restore the pier in full. This will help grow our local economy, increase tourism and give our residents something to be proud of.”
The restoration project at the pier is already at an advanced stage, which means funding can be deployed rapidly towards the work once the business case is approved.