'We never considered giving up on Southport Pier'

Work to restore Southport Pier could begin before the end of June, Sefton Council has said.

The Victorian pier - the second longest in Britain - was shut in 2022 due to safety concerns. In August 2025, it suffered fire damage due to an electrical fault.

Sefton Council has now formally submitted a business case to the government to access £20m in funding that is needed to repair and reopen the pier.

"I have been on record countless times saying we would be ready to start these works as soon as we get funding and we are staying completely true to our word," said council leader Marion Atkinson.

"Southport Pier is a structure with a rich history," said Atkinson.

"Regrettably, with a poor refurbishment programme carried out in early 2000s, the pier [was left] very vulnerable.

"However, we have never considered giving up on it. The pier is a symbol of Southport's identity, history and now, thanks to the council and central government, [it has been] secured for the town's future too."

The Grade II-listed structure, which opened in 1860, stretches 1.1km (0.68 miles) into the Irish Sea.

In 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £20m of government funding for the project, subject to a full business case assessment.

"We were delighted with the announcement from the chancellor, [who] recognises the importance of Southport Pier," Atkinson added.

"Consultation has also taken place with Historic England, the Southport Pier Trust, and the Pier Society, ensuring the works fully respect the pier's historic significance."

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