A main contractor to carry out repair and refurbishment works to Southport Pier has been remobilised, Sefton Council have confirmed.
AE Yates have been contracted to undertake early contractor design and further survey works by the Local Authority, with the leading construction specialists previously being under a pre-construction services agreement for the Pier works.
These works total circa £300,000 and will be funded by Sefton Council in advance of the anticipated award of Government funding for the full project.
Investigation work has already been carried out by teams from AE Yates, including an exploration of the Pier’s steel structure, meaning the firm are best placed to carry out the main works, when the Government funding is confirmed.
A full restoration of the unsafe structure, which has sadly been closed since December 2022 for health and safety reasons, is set to take place thanks to a £20 million investment from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund. subject to the business case being approved.
The Grade II listed structure, the second longest in Britain, stretches 3600 feet and encompasses breathtaking views of the town’s Marine Lake, Promenade and beach.
Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson, said: “The further appointment of AE Yates to undertake preparatory work builds on their involvement to date in the project, and the Council’s investment in these works helps us ensure readiness for start on site once funding is secured.
“They have an exemplary track record of working on large scale refurbishment projects and their detailed exploratory work on the Pier’s steel structure was invaluable in setting out the sheer scale of challenge we have faced to restore the Pier.
“I have repeatedly said that as soon as we secure the funding, we will be ready to start work on the Pier. Everything is in place, including vital legal requirements such as listed building consent, and this appointment keeps us moving and ready to start as soon as funding is confirmed. This further demonstrates the council commitment to the Pier.
“Consultation has also taken place with Historic England, the Southport Pier Trust, and the Pier Society, ensuring the works fully respect the pier’s historic significance.
“I am grateful to the Government for recognising the importance of Southport Pier.
“We are awaiting further feedback and are, of course hopeful of a positive outcome on the grant funding ask.
“This funding will allow us to deliver a safe, sustainable and significant restoration that will benefit generations to come.”