Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that up to £20 million in government funding has been allocated for the full restoration of Southport Pier. The historic structure, which has been closed to the public for two years, will undergo significant refurbishment managed by Sefton Council, aiming to revive a key local landmark and tourist attraction.
Key Takeaways
- Up to £20 million has been approved for the restoration of Southport Pier, which has been closed for two years.
- The funding is part of the government's £240 million Growth Mission Fund designed to support local economic projects.
- Sefton Council will act as the delivery agent for the refurbishment and manage its eventual reopening.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves also addressed the status of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, confirming that funds have now been allocated.
Funding Confirmed for Historic Pier
During a visit to Southport on September 27, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the approval of a significant funding package to restore the town's iconic pier. The investment, valued at up to £20 million, is intended to bring the landmark back into public use after a prolonged two-year closure.
The pier, a Grade II listed structure, has been a central part of Southport's identity since it first opened in 1860. Its closure has been a point of concern for residents and local businesses who rely on the visitor economy.
"This is all about bringing pride back to local communities, showing that our best days are not behind us, but they’re ahead of us," Chancellor Reeves stated during her visit. "I want to return it to its former glory. I want it to be a place where the local community can take pride in, but also something that brings people into the local area.”
The funds are being drawn from the Growth Mission Fund, a £240 million national pot established to expedite local projects that drive economic growth, create jobs, and preserve heritage assets.
A Boost for Local Economy and Heritage
The restoration of Southport Pier is expected to provide a substantial boost to the regional economy. Local leaders have emphasized the project's potential to protect existing jobs and create new opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Southport Pier: A Victorian Landmark
- Opened: August 1860
- Length: 1,108 metres (3,635 ft)
- Status: Second-longest pier in the country and one of the oldest made of iron.
- Significance: A key driver of tourism in the North West and a major piece of Victorian engineering heritage.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, highlighted the pier's role in the area's £6.25 billion visitor economy. "Bringing the pier back to life will help protect local jobs, attract more visitors and give Southport a real boost," he said. "Working with Sefton Council, we’ll make sure the pier once again stands proud as both a symbol of our heritage and a driver of future prosperity."
Southport MP Patrick Hurley also welcomed the news, stating he was "absolutely delighted" and adding, "Keir Starmer said that his government would be a good friend to Southport, and this is yet another example of him being as good as his word.”
Project Management and Timeline
Sefton Council has been designated as the delivery agent for the restoration. The council will oversee the entire refurbishment process, from planning and contractor procurement to the final reopening of the pier.
When asked about a potential timeline, Leader of Sefton Council Marion Atkinson confirmed the council's readiness to proceed. "The council have been really clear about where we’re at with this project and as soon as we get the funding, we are ready to go," she explained. Atkinson also provided assurance about the quality of the upcoming work, adding, "What I can say, is it will be done properly this time.”
This statement suggests a commitment to ensuring the long-term structural integrity of the pier, addressing the issues that led to its closure and preventing similar problems in the future.
Update on Northern Powerhouse Rail
Beyond the pier, Chancellor Reeves also provided an update on the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, a major infrastructure plan aimed at improving connectivity between key northern cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and Leeds.
What is Northern Powerhouse Rail?
First proposed in 2014 by former Chancellor George Osborne, NPR aims to build new and upgraded rail lines across the North of England. The goal is to reduce journey times, increase capacity, and stimulate economic growth. The project has faced numerous delays and changes in scope over the years.
The project has been a source of frustration for many in the region due to repeated delays and perceived lack of commitment. Acknowledging public skepticism, Reeves addressed these concerns directly.
"I can understand why people are cynical, because often politicians say something and they don’t deliver, and that’s certainly been the case with Northern Powerhouse Rail," she said. "As a Leeds MP I know that all too well."
From Rhetoric to Reality
The Chancellor stressed that the project is now moving from concept to concrete planning, with funding officially allocated for the first time. She confirmed that collaboration with regional mayors, including Steve Rotheram, Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, and Tracy Brabin of West Yorkshire, is underway to ensure the project meets local needs.
"At the Spending Review, that’s the first time there’s actually been money attached to Northern Powerhouse Rail, not just rhetoric, but actually money," Reeves stated. "It’s money, not rhetoric that gets railways built.”
This development signals a renewed focus on delivering the long-promised rail improvements, which are considered vital for unlocking the economic potential of the North of England and improving the reliability of services that frequently suffer from delays and cancellations.