Funding to restore Southport Pier and to create a new Town Hall Gardens area in Southport represents “the point at which Southport’s decline stops”.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said that the two big announcements made by the Government last week ensure that the town can now start “planning for a brighter future”.
He also gave more details about what happens next with the Pier, as he spoke at the official launch of the new Southport Learning Town initiative at West Lancs Yacht Club.
On Tuesday, the Government said it will commit £10 million to revamp the area in front of Southport Town Hall and The Atkinson after conversations with the families of Bebe, Elsie and Alice.
The following day, in the Spending Review, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced funding to repair and reopen Southport Pier.
The two investments will complement other regeneration work happening in our town, including the construction of the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre, the opening of Eastbank at Southport Enterprise Arcade and the revamp of the Market Quarter area.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: “What a big week for Southport! We had the announcement on Tuesday of £10 million investment into the refurbishment of the Town hall Gardens on Lord Street.
“And then that was followed on Wednesday afternoon by the Government backing for – at long last – the reopening of Southport Pier.
“We are not yet at the stage where we can confirm and clarify specific details of timescales or the amount.
“What I can tell you, and give you assurances for – it is not part payment, it is the full amount for the renovation, and refurbishment and reopening of Southport Pier.
“As ever with things like this, I don’t think they wanted to give a black cheque to the contractors, so they are not putting a specific price tag on there at the moment.
“What I am told by way of update is that we will know by the end of August about timescales and funding requirements .
“In due course the contractors, and the planning permissions, and all of the proper processes that we’ll go through, you’ll find out in due course. But I’m told we’ll make a start on this at the end of August.
“I want to say though that for myself, this is only a down payment for what we can do for Southport. Because Southport, in common with so many towns across the country, has seen better days.
“This week is the point at which the decline stops and we can start planning for a brighter future.”
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