Backed by government funding and overwhelming public support, Southport Pier’s restoration is set to begin within weeks and will take 12 to 14 months to complete, according to Sefton Council.

The restoration of Southport Pier is expected to take “12 to 14 months to complete”, with Sefton Council declaring they are “ready to go” once all preparations are finalised.

The historic 1,108-metre structure, which first opened in 1860 and is the second longest pier in the UK, has remained closed since December 2022. However, hopes for its future were renewed in June, when the Government pledged funding for its restoration.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside’s Hot Seat programme, Sefton Council leader councillor Marion Atkinson admitted she was surprised by the funding news, announced during Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s spending review. 

“We had actively been for a number of years having these conversations with the Government. We knew how important it was for people,” said Atkinson. “Our MP in Southport, Patrick Hurley, absolutely smashed it. We need to see the details for this, but we are ready to go. We are ready to go within six to eight weeks. I think it will take 12 to 14 months from start to finish. There is a lot of work to go into it. We are absolutely wanting to get in with it.”

Public support has been overwhelming – 97 percent of nearly 1,700 residents polled backed full restoration. Planning permission was granted in 2024 for significant repair and replacement works. As stated in the application: “Southport Pier continues to be a cherished landmark… it will return as a vibrant hub for leisure and tourism.”

Heading for port

Sefton Council said… “…we are ready to go. We are ready to go within six to eight weeks. I think it will take 12 to 14 months from start to finish. There is a lot of work to go into it. We are absolutely wanting to get in with it…