Expert structural engineers have been appointed by Sefton Council to carry out extensive investigation work into how safe it is, in a bid towards reopening it.
The historic structure has been closed since it was severely damaged by sub-zero temperatures in December.
No timescale has yet been given for when Southport Pier might reopen.
The engineers will have a huge task on their hands, assessing every inch of the UK’s second longest pier, which is over a kilometre in length.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:
“Expert structural engineers have been appointed by the council to carry out the extensive work required to ensure Southport Pier can be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The engineers’ work involves carrying out an extensive survey of the overall 3,600ft structure starting with a detailed examination of the pier’s decking and timber supports.
“After that they will move on to assess its steelwork.
“The council expects to receive initial results from the timber survey in the coming weeks and will be providing further updates in due course.
“In the meantime, we would like to reiterate our thanks to all stakeholders and visitors for their patience and support in ensuring people’s safety.”
Sefton Council said they closed Southport Pier to the public until further notice on 13th December after freezing temperatures and icy weather caused “significant and unavoidable damage” to the pier’s decking boards.
A build-up of ice from coastal winds also made the surface treacherous underfoot.
Sefton Council announced last year an ambitious project to replace more than 53 miles of decking boards along the iconic structure.
While the pier has undergone extensive repairs and refurbishments over the last 160 years, a £3 million project to replace the wooden decking along its entire 1.1km length was revealed recently by the local authority.
Southport Pier is the second longest in the country, a walk to the end boasts magnificent views.
It opened in August 1860.
The pier has been host to famous entertainers, including Charlie Chaplin in the early 20th century. It was visited by steamliners in its heyday, but silting of the channel meant that by the 1920s very few steamers were able to reach the pier, and the service ceased in 1929.
Repairs to Southport Pier date back to as early as 1890 and during its long history it has fallen victim to incredibly powerful storm damage, boat crashes and numerous fires in the 19th and 20th century.
In 2018, extensive repairs and repainting works were carried out by Sefton Council to the Pier’s steelwork to combat corrosion from the sea.
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