Residents call for Southport Pier to be restored and reopened

A recent poll has revealed overwhelming support for the restoration of Southport Pier, with an incredible 97% of respondents calling for the iconic landmark to be reopened.

Hosted on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, the poll attracted nearly 1,700 responses, showing the affection and importance Southport Pier holds for the local community.

The historic attraction, which opened in August 1860, is the second longest pier and the longest iron pier in Britain.

It has been closed since December 2022, however hopes of it being restored have grown since Sefton Council submitted a planning application last year outlining how the pier can be restored – as long as sufficient funding can be secured.

A total of 14% of respondents called for the p[ier to be reopened and for Southport Beach to be cleared of grass, as “they both go together”.

Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport group, Roy Horswood said:

“Our pier is one of the oldest in the country and is the second longest. It has been an asset for the town for many years and it is a shame to see it in its present condition.”

Maria Jones said:

“I went to Sopot in Poland in the summer. Everyone is happy to pay to go on their pier towards the upkeep. It was really busy.”

Brenda Porter said:

“A seaside resort without a pier or family beach??? This is our heritage – please protect it.

“Councils have the privilege of both representing their locations and in̈stigating change after listening to their community.

“So let’s get on with it!”

Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

Samantha Jane Hamer said:

“Please don’t let another beautiful piece of history be torn down.”

Mark Angelucci said:

“Challenge the nonsensical listing and repair it properly with modern plastic decking that will last and cost considerably less. It’s either timber at £13m or left to rot. There has to be another way.”

Sam Blair said:

“I no longer live in the town, however I visit often and I remember as a child many happy memories, then it closed, then it reopened (thanks to I believe Heritage Lottery funding) and it has been lovely to walk down it since!

“It’s a true part of the heritage of the town I grew up in and lived in and should be maintained and reopened for future generations.”

Chris Paisley said:

“Feedback from my followers have confirmed that they have chosen to break routine and visit different tourist destinations, due to Southport Pier not being accessible, as considered a main attraction when visiting our town.

“The town is losing footfall. Businesses are losing income. We will lose what our town was.”

Tom Maclean said:

“The pier is a majestic asset To make its future viable there has to be a sound business case. Looking at costs of ongoing maintenance of the structure once it is repaired and potential income streams it could bring in when it is open is just sound logic. To sustain its future there has to be a sustainable plan.

“The cost of restoration will be high and without an understanding of running costs thereafter the pier will have a precarious future and no one wants that.

“Up and running and sustainable.That is my hope for this stunning pier.”

Last week Silcock Leisure Group, the family-run firm which has operated numerous leisure attractions in Southport and Blackpool for several generations, made their case for Southport Pier to be restored and reopened.

Silcock Leisure Group Head of Operations, Serena Silcock-Prince, said:

“Southport people have been through a lot. They deserve to see their Pier reopened.

“Since Southport Pier has been closed, it has affected every business in our town in a negative way. Everyone has suffered because of the closure.

“The publicity, both regionally and nationally, has been very damaging. Every time a headline is published saying ‘Southport Pier Closed’, some people read it as ‘Southport Closed’.

“Reopening Southport Pier would give everyone such a huge boost. It is exactly what our town needs.

“Southport has always been about Southport Beach. Southport Pier. The amusements. Lord Street. All the attractions. We need our pier back!

“I was really pleased to see Sefton Council submit a full planning application detailing exactly how the restoration can be carried out. The plans are in place. All we need now is the green light for the funding.

“Southport Pier is the second longest pier in Britain and the oldest iron leisure pier in the country.

“It is a national treasure.

“It is far more than a local attraction, it is an historic national landmark that the Government, and other national funding bodies, should be determined to restore and reopen as soon as possible.”

The 165-year-old Southport Pier is the second longest pier in the country.

Opened in 1860, it was designed by James Brunlees, a prominent civil engineer of the Victorian era.

The pier originally stretched 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) into the Irish Sea, providing a vital link for steamboats and facilitating tourism in the burgeoning seaside resort.

In late 2024, Sefton Council’s Tourism team and RAL Architects submitted a full planning application seeking Listed Building Consent for the replacement and repair works to deck and supporting steelwork including refurbishment and reinstatement of handrails and seating pavilions to Southport Pier.

In the document, they said: “Until recently, Southport Pier stood as a testament to Victorian engineering and a symbol of the town’s heritage.

“It offered visitors a blend of historical charm and modern attractions, including a visitor centre, café, and panoramic views of the coastline.

“The pier closed in December 2022 for essential maintenance following structural failings of the decking.

“It continues to be a cherished landmark, celebrating its historical legacy while with Sefton’s Council’s commitment and vision it will return as a vibrant hub for leisure and tourism.”