Plans to repair the Victorian era Southport Pier have seen permission approved to remove unused tram tracks and install new boards.
Sefton Council’s Planning department has granted Listed Building Consent for the removal of the redundant tram tracks and replacement of the timber deck with new hardboard boards to match existing along the full length of Southport Pier.
The plans were submitted by Sefton Council’s Tourism team and were approved within 24 hours.
Over 160 years old and more than 1.1km long, the iconic Southport Pier structure was closed for safety reasons by the council on explicit advice from structural engineers two years ago.
Extreme weather in December 2022 accelerated the current issues within the Pier’s decking.
Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Earlier this year, it was estimated that the full refurbishment works required to ensure the Pier can open safely again could exceed £13 million, more than £10 million in excess of the £3m that the Council have already agreed to borrow to fund decking replacement.
Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson has previously reiterated Sefton Council’s determination to reopen Southport Pier, saying: “We have a clear plan for the more than £13 million of work that’s expected to be needed to take place, ready to start once funding is secured.”
A digital hub has been created at www.sefton.gov.uk/SouthportPier where a set of frequently asked questions address some of the enquiries from residents, visitors and businesses.
Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Earlier this year, A E Yates completed detailed exploratory and investigation works on Southport Pier.
Sefton Council has assembled a team of industry experts to oversee and manage the Pier project including Southport based RAL Architects Gardiner & Theobold, structural engineers Fairhurst, Steve A Hunt & Associates and Pegasus Planning.
Prior to the approved works starting, a sample of the decking will be provided on site for approval by Sefton Council.
The approved decking will then be used during the construction, to ensure an acceptable impact on the designated heritage asset.
Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Details for the scheme were provided by RAL Architects in Southport.
Decking Boards are to be 95mm x 35mm Ekki Decking boards with 5mm Radius to corners. The Boards will be fixed at 1/4 board widths with 2 No. Stainless Steel Fixings at each joist location.
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