SEFTON Council has now formally submitted a business case to the Government to access funding to repair and reopen Southport Pier.

The Local Authority is hopeful that pending a successful outcome of the business case, works to Southport Pier should be expected to get underway in early 2026.

A full restoration of the unsafe structure, which has sadly been closed since December 2022 for health and safety reasons, will now take place thanks to a £20 million investment from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund subject to the business case being approved. 

In order to be successful in accessing the funding Sefton Council were required to submit a formal business case to the Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The business case will now be assessed at a special Growth Mission Fund panel later this month (January 2026).

The initial funding announcement, confirmed last year, follows extensive planning, structural assessments and public safety measures undertaken by Sefton Council since it was forced to temporarily close the pier to keep people safe.

The Grade II listed structure, the 2nd longest in Britain, stretches 3600 feet and encompasses breathtaking views of the town’s Marine Lake, Promenade and beach.

Thanks to Government funding, the restoration will go far beyond the original decking replacement plans approved 3 years ago.

Following detailed surveys, the scope now includes:-

• Full replacement of decking boards and timber joists
• Extensive steelwork repairs and replacements due to corrosion
• Installation of new gates and CCTV
• Implementation of a new long-term maintenance regime

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said:- “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. A 2-stage design and build procurement process has already been completed, while listed building consent is also secured. We were delighted with the announcement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2025 who, as we do, recognises the importance of Southport Pier and the agreement to support the Pier with up to £20million of investment. The Council has now submitted a full and complete business case to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and we still expect work will begin in early 2026. We are working closely with the DBT to progress this process at pace."

She continued:- “The business case has set out the up-to-date construction costs while also addressing the need for ongoing yearly maintenance including options such as the use of the Pier contingency fund, planning obligations and other forms of income raising initiatives. Southport Pier is a structure with a rich history but regrettably with a poor refurbishment programme carried out in early 2000s the refurbishment left the pier 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, secured for the town’s future too. 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. I am grateful to the Government for recognising the importance of Southport Pier. This funding allows us to deliver a safe, sustainable and significant restoration that will benefit generations to come.”

Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and the northern parishes, said:- “This next step on the way to the reopening of Southport Pier is fantastic news for our town. Thanks to the Government’s £20 million commitment in the June spending review, this proposal now sets out a clear plan for the repair, reopening, and long-term maintenance of the Pier. As the jewel of Southport’s coastline, the pier's decline in recent years has been a matter of both local and national concern. This proposal by Sefton Council offers a promising opportunity to restore a much-loved landmark and reaffirm this Government’s commitment to the preservation and support of local cultural heritage. Its revival will not only boost our local economy but also reignite pride across throughout my constituency.”  

The news was announced during Cllr Marion Atkinson's latest BBC Radio Merseyside Hot Seat interview, which you can read more about here.

For more information on Southport Pier visit their website.