After two years of public frustration, the people of one Merseyside town have been celebrating an exciting update
Alan runs the Just Looking shop on Lord Street(Image: LDRS)
A Merseyside seaside town has emerged from a ‘very bleak tunnel’, according to local residents who are celebrating a huge announcement this week.
That announcement saw Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out Government support to fund the reopening of Southport Pier.
Addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday, Ms Reeves said: “I know the pride that people feel in their communities.
“I see it everywhere I go, but I also know that for too many people, there is a sense that something has been lost.
“We will establish a growth mission fund to expedite local projects that are important for growth projects, projects like Southport Pier, an iconic symbol of coastal heritage, which has stood empty since 2022, […] where investment would create jobs and new business opportunities.
Southport Pier is the second longest in the UK and is a renowned historical asset. It was closed by Sefton Council in 2022 on the advice of structural engineers after a period of extreme weather.
The closure of the pier has had a significant impact on the town’s leisure and tourism offer, with many residents and local business owners keen to see the pier re-opened. However, due to the financial costs of the refurbishment, any possible re-opening had been placed in limbo.
Colin Jamieson has a family business which runs stalls at Southport Pier and also operates the trains which run up and down the boarding. Like many firms around the pier, Colin’s family business took a significant hit when the pier closed and it has been a frustrating two years waiting on an update.
Colin Jamieson on the closed Southport Pier(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
However, the news about the pier’s reopening has been positively received and Colin said he is grateful for the public support he’s had, adding: “As a family, the Jamiesons have endured a harrowing nightmare for over two years. Our business of more than two decades was shut down with very little notice, leaving our entire workforce without jobs in an instant.
“We are absolutely elated to hear the positive news and that there is some light at the end of what has been a very bleak tunnel.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the public and businesses of Southport and surrounding areas for really rallying behind us in recent months. Your support has shown just how important the pier is for the town, for the mental and physical health of so many, and for British heritage.
“Additionally, we are deeply grateful for all the help from local MPs over the last two years, particularly Patrick Hurley MP, for pushing the coastal growth fund and highlighting our plight in parliament. Here’s hoping for a concrete plan moving forward and a speedy reopening.”
Alan has run the Just Looking shop on Lord Street for the last 18 years. Even though he is originally from Liverpool, Alan loves the town and is very optimistic about its future.
Alan said: “Fast forward to when they open the pier and it’s going to be excellent for the economy in Southport and it’s marvellous for people who live here and visitors to the town.
“This is a really quintessential seaside town and the buildings are fantastic. People come from all over the country and they love coming here – especially people my age who remember the glory days in the 60s and the 70s.
“Unfortunately, there’s been some decline over the years, but it’s not just here. So, it’s really great to hear the news about the pier and other things going on. We’ve also got lots of good things still happening and especially in the summer and the weekends, but every little boost helps us along.”
Pat and Paul Breen visit Southport often(Image: LDRS)
There is a genuine hope that the reopening of the pier will attract people back to Southport and enhance the enjoyment of those that continue to visit. Paul and Pat Breen are both in their 70s and have been travelling up to Southport from Liverpool for many years.
They particularly enjoyed visiting the fairgrounds and walks along the pier, but the landmark’s closure didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for Southport.
Nonetheless, both agree its reopening will be a boost to the town. Paul said: “There’s plenty going on with loads of nice restaurants and shops and we’ve actually stayed overnight.
“It will be good for everyone when the pier reopens and the the town does need improvement. I’m just glad to see that something is being done and we’re looking forward to visiting when it’s all done.”
As local residents, businesses and officials absorb the chancellor’s announcement, there’s still no detail on what will happen next. However, the Liverpool ECHO understands a plan will be released some time during the summer months.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “It’s brilliant news for Southport and Sefton as a whole.
“As we’ve said all along as soon as the funding is secured we’re ready to go within a matter of weeks and that remains the case.”
Cllr Atkinson added: “We do need to wait to see the detail of the Growth Mission Fund and exactly what Southport will receive but it was fantastic to hear the pier mentioned by the Chancellor and it goes to show the Government is listening and willing to help.
Crowds enjoying the heatwave sunshine on Southport Pier in past summers – it’s hoped the landmark will reopen soon(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“What we need in the meantime is for everyone to continue to support each other and the businesses in the town as Southport has so much to offer besides the pier.”
This sentiment is shared by Norman Wallis of Adventure Coast Southport (ACS) which has welcomed the proposed investment in Southport Pier and is happy for people like Colin Jamieson and all those adversely by the affected by the closure of the pier in 2022.
ACS owner, Mr Wallis said: “As a committed advocate for Southport’s rebirth as a vibrant seaside destination, we are delighted to see positive and well considered investment flowing into the town’s cultural and historic assets.
“These developments mark another important step in the wider regeneration of Southport, enhancing the appeal of the entire seafront and complementing the ongoing efforts of businesses like ours that are committed to drawing new visitors and creating memorable experiences for families.
“We remain passionate about flying the flag for Southport and are proud to continue fighting for its future as a thriving and exciting destination.”