“Everybody welcome” at meeting to discuss the future of Southport Pier

Southport Pier is the second longest in the UK and has been closed since December 2022.

People are invited to an Open Meeting this January to discuss ideas about restoring and reopening Southport Pier.

Organisers say that all are welcome at the event, which will take place at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant on the Promenade, Southport, between 11am and 12.30pm on Friday, 31st January 2025.

it has also been made clear that his is not a fundraising event, and it will not be seeking funding from anyone.

They say it is a gathering for people who eagerly want to see Southport Pier open once again, to hold an open discussion, and to seek ideas.

“The organisers are fully supportive of Sefton Council’s ambitions to see the Pier reopened, after the local authority submitted a full planning application for how the work can be carried out last year.”

If you would like to attend, you can email info@silcock-leisure.co.uk

Silcock Leisure Group Head of Operations Serena Silcock-Prince 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.

“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.

“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.

“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 £73 million 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.”