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. Tony McDonough reports

Work has started on a £2.9m project to give Southport Pier a new lease of life.

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 aim is to create new jobs, increase visitor numbers and secure the Grade II-listed pier for years to come.

Remaining funding has been allocated from the council’s pier contingency fund and the project is scheduled to finish in December 2018.

Works includes the creation of new retail and food units, an extension to the pavilion, new steps linking the pier deck with the beach below and improvements to railings around Marine Lake.

The main contractor is Taziker Industrial of Bolton which is 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.  

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