The Government has today announced its ambition to launch a new fund which could see the restoration and reopening of Southport Pier.
Speaking in Parliament today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged that the Government will establish a Growth Mission Fund to “expedite local projects that are important for growth but have been forgotten”, such as Southport Pier, Kirkcaldy’s seafront and High Street, and a new sports quarter in Peterborough.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: “The condition and closure of the Pier has been a huge source of concern for everyone in Southport over the last two and a half years, and the whole community shares the desire for the Pier to be reopened.
“That is why I am thrilled to tell you that we now have government backing for the restoration of Southport Pier thanks to the Growth Mission Fund announced today in Labour’s Spending Review.”
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We welcome the Chancellor referencing Southport Pier today as part of the spending review.
“As a Council we have said we are ready to go as soon as funding is secured and we look forward to finding out more detail about the Growth Mission Fund in due course.“
The Growth Mission Fund will invest £240 million of capital from 2026‑27 to 2029‑30 in projects that enable local job creation and the economic regeneration of local communities.
Further detail on this fund and the criteria that will be applied for project selection will be set out later this summer.
It follows yesterday’s news of an ambitions £10million transformation of the Town Hall Gardens in Southport.
The funding boost came as the Chancellor unveiled a Spending Review to deliver Britain’s renewal, with record investment in the country’s security, health and economy.
The Chancellor confirmed a £11 billion real-terms increase in defence spending over the spending review period, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.
She said: “I have made my choices,” she declares. “In place of chaos, I choose stability. In place of decline, I choose investments. In place of pessimism, division and defeatism, I choose national renewal.”
Earlier this year, a poll revealed that 97% of people in Southport want Southport Pier to be restored and reopened.
Nearly 1,700 people have responded to the poll, since it was held on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group.
It shows an overwhelming desire by local residents to see the iconic landmark reopened as they appeal for the funding needed.
A public meeting held at Silcock’s Pier Restaurant earlier this year was packed with local residents and businesses calling for the historic attraction to be reopened.
Southport Pier, which opened in August 1860, is the second longest pier and the longest iron pier in Britain.
It has been closed since December 2022, however hopes of it being restored have grown since Sefton Council submitted a planning application last year outlining how the pier can be restored – as long as sufficient funding can be secured.
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport group, Roy Horswood said: “Our pier is one of the oldest in the country and is the second longest. It has been an asset for the town for many years and it is a shame to see it in its present condition.”
Maria Jones said: “I went to Sopot in Poland in the summer. Everyone is happy to pay to go on their pier towards the upkeep. It was really busy.”
Brenda Porter said: “A seaside resort without a pier or family beach??? This is our heritage – please protect it.”
Sam Blair said: “It’s a true part of the heritage of the town I grew up in and lived in and should be maintained and reopened for future generations.”
Silcock Leisure Group, the family-run firm which has operated numerous leisure attractions in Southport and Blackpool for several generations, made their case for Southport Pier to be restored and reopened.
Silcock Leisure Group Head of Operations Serena Silcock-Prince said: “Southport people have been through a lot. They deserve to see their Pier reopened.
“Reopening Southport Pier would give everyone such a huge boost. It is exactly what our town needs.
“Southport has always been about Southport Beach. Southport Pier. The amusements. Lord Street. All the attractions. We need our pier back!
“I was really pleased to see Sefton Council submit a full planning application detailing exactly how the restoration can be carried out. The plans are in place. All we need now is the green light for the funding.
“Southport Pier is the second longest pier in Britain and the oldest iron leisure pier in the country.
“It is a national treasure.
“It is far more than a local attraction, it is an historic national landmark that the Government, and other national funding bodies, should be determined to restore and reopen as soon as possible.”
The 165-year-old Southport Pier is the second longest pier in the country.
Opened in 1860, it was designed by James Brunlees, a prominent civil engineer of the Victorian era.
The pier originally stretched 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) into the Irish Sea, providing a vital link for steamboats and facilitating tourism in the burgeoning seaside resort.
In late 2024, Sefton Council’s Tourism team and RAL Architects submitted a full planning application seeking Listed Building Consent for the replacement and repair works to deck and supporting steelwork including refurbishment and reinstatement of handrails and seating pavilions to Southport Pier.
In the document, they said: “Until recently, Southport Pier stood as a testament to Victorian engineering and a symbol of the town’s heritage.
“It offered visitors a blend of historical charm and modern attractions, including a visitor centre, café, and panoramic views of the coastline.
“The pier closed in December 2022 for essential maintenance following structural failings of the decking.
“It continues to be a cherished landmark, celebrating its historical legacy while with Sefton’s Council’s commitment and vision it will return as a vibrant hub for leisure and tourism.”
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