Southport Pier faces significant structural challenges, according to a detailed report by engineering consultants Thomasons, with some sections requiring “systematic dismantling” to enable repairs.
Southport Pier was “temporarily” closed 17 months ago after structural damage was discovered during inclement winter weather.
Sefton Council have committed to supplying £3m of the £13m estimated repair costs. There is still no indication as to where the remaining £10m will be sourced from, or when.
Initial investigation works to fully document the extent of damage to the Pier has been undertaken in recent months by a range of different contractors.
The latest report, published on Thursday, again carries a recommendation that the Pier must not open to the public until remedial works have been conducted.
Thomasons’ investigation reveals an inconsistency in the degradation of the Pier’s metal framework. While some sections display minimal damage, others show severe deterioration, complicating efforts to gauge the overall structural health.
Steelwork was reviewed at four sections of the pier, with degraded protective paintwork and damaged bracing noted “as typical” in all four areas, however no “intrusive or destructive testing” was conducted within the steelworks, as this will be carried out by a different external contractor.
The report notes significant corrosion throughout the structure speculating “that the steelwork was not completely cleaned of all contaminants during the previous refurbishment and corrosion has re-appeared.”
The report explicitly states that localised repairs would neither be cost-effective nor sufficiently extend the lifespan of the Pier. Instead the report recommends that significant sections of the Pier will need to be dismantled and repaired off-site.
The Pier will also require new fastenings for handrails.
An ongoing maintenance program of board repairs every 8 to 15 years has been recommended to the Council.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “It is 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.
“Sefton Council has and will continue to engage with a range of central and regional government departments and other parties to identify funding for the refurbishment and longer-term maintenance of Southport Pier.”