Steelwork repairs begin on Southport Pier 

Major restoration and refurbishment works to Southport Pier have begun following the government approving a £20 million funding package. 

The UK’s second longest pier opened in 1860 and stretches 1.1km into the Irish Sea. The Grade II-listed structure has been closed to the public since 2022, due to safety concerns. 

Led by AE Yates, the project will see the majority of the decking boards and timber joists replaced, along with extensive steelwork repairs.  

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is excellent progress and it represents an important step forward in the restoration of Southport Pier. 

“Like all building projects of any scale, careful preparation needed to be undertaken to make way for new materials to be installed. 

“The start of steel replacement work will be a particularly significant milestone. I want to thank everyone working on this complex project for the progress they have made so far.” 

Dale Cunniffe, Project Manager at AE Yates, said: “A great deal has been achieved on site over recent weeks, including the removal of decking, structural elements and services, as well as the creation of the specialist access and crane areas needed for the next phase. 

“These enabling works are essential to delivering the restoration safely and effectively. We are pleased with the progress made and are now preparing to begin replacing steelwork on the landward section of the pier.”