The first stages to fix Southport Pier will begin next week.
The long awaited process to repair Britain's second-longest iron pier will start on Monday. Contractors will be on site from November 20 to begin exploratory and investigative works which the council claim will guide the larger refurbishment project.
A contract for the main refurbishment works for pier is due to be issued for tender within the next two weeks. The council said they are aiming to "start the works as soon as possible after the required funding is secured".
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The first phase of the project is expected to last until mid-February 2023 and see a section of the Pier’s damaged decking removed as well as further assessments of the integrity of both the Pier’s cast iron columns and steel structure.
Costing Sefton Council hundreds of thousands of pounds, the exploratory works had been planned to commence as soon as possible following the appointment of civil engineer A E Yates earlier this week.
The council has reiterated its "complete support" towards the full refurbishment of Southport Pier. However, they also said it does not have the budget required to fulfill the work without help.
To address this significant funding gap, the council is continuing engage with potential funders and stakeholders. The council are also canvassing for national funding for the repairs and future maintenance.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, welcomed the works by saying: “As promised we have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure all pre-construction work is carried out and completed to ensure we have a fully costed and detailed project ready to go should funding become available.
“We are working with the contractor to ensure they are able to get on-site and begin the exploratory and investigating works needed to guide the wider refurbishment. This is by no means a small task and will involve significant work to further understand the current structural integrity of the Pier.
“While these work are being funded entirely by Sefton Council we are still actively seeking support from other bodies and organisations and will continue to ask for help to restore our iconic Pier.”
Mick O’Hanlan, Contracts Manager for A E Yates, added: “A E Yates Ltd are proud to be appointed for this preliminary stage of the refurbishment of Southport Pier. The Pier has been a big family attraction for many of our employees and families, and we are looking forward to being part of the team helping to deliver the refurbishment of the Grade II listed structure and the second longest pier in the country.”
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