Southport’s 160-year-old grade II-listed pier could be set for the major upgrade in the coming months if up to £3m for new decking is approved.
At its meeting next week, Sefton Council’s Cabinet will be asked to provisionally approve the funding to replace the wooden decking along the pier’s whole 1.1km length. If agreed, the work could begin in late 2022.
Such is the scale of the planned works, more than 56 miles of decking boards will be used in the refurbishment, which is the same distance as the crow flies from Southport to Stoke.
Once approved at cabinet, full council approval for the works will then need to be sought prior to any works being undertaken.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and skills, said: “Like many incredible open-air coastal structures, Southport Pier is affected by the constant powerful effects of nature.
“That plus the wear from the many thousands of people who enjoy walking along Britain’s second longest pier means large-scale works like we are proposing are needed to preserve the structure for generations of the future to enjoy.”
Cllr Atkinson added: “By replacing the decking boards in their entirety, we are protecting the structure for generations to come.
“Southport’s iconic pier is by no means cheap to look after but it is cherished by all of us in Sefton and by the town’s many visitors so I don’t think anyone could argue against providing it with this vital care.”
Read More: Southport cabinet to consider pier decking funding | North West Property News