A huge crane has appeared in Southport, lifting what appear to be huge beams of steel onto Southport Pier.
It is the latest phase of the £20 million restoration of Southport Pier.
The work, being carried out by AE Yates and led by Sefton Council, began earlier this summer.
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These stunning images were taken by Slobber Chops, who kindly shared them with Stand Up For Southport to show the extent of the ambitious works taking place.
Southport Pier has been closed since December 2022, and reopening the landmark structure will create a huge boost for the local economy.
In their most recent update on Southport Pier, Sefton Council said that restoration works are continuing at pace, with British bought steel replacement works next in line.
Sefton Council’s main contractor AE Yates is making significant progress across the historic structure with dismantling works being the most recent focus of their efforts.
Twenty-seven lighting arches have been safely disconnected and removed, while the kiosk and halfway-house have also been taken down.
In order to ensure contractor safety access scaffolding has been erected across the landward section of the pier to allow for the timber decking and to be removed.
Existing handrails, tramlines and mechanical and electrical services have also been taken away ready for the next stage of the restoration.
Elsewhere on the site an access haul road and two large crane pads have been created in preparation for the installation of new British bought steel.
Sefton Council has previously shared that the full restoration of the pier is expected to take between 14 to 16 months to complete, with hopes that visitors will be able to once again walk along it next year.
Earlier this year, The Growth Mission Fund panel gave its full approval to the business case submitted by Sefton Council for the full repair of the cherished local landmark.
Opened in August 1860, Southport Pier is the oldest iron pier in the country. Its length of 1,108 m (3,635 ft) makes it the second-longest in Great Britain, after Southend Pier.
Southport Pier attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Southport every year.
The Southport Pier restoration is among several positive developments happening in Southport at the moment including the transformation of: the former BHS department store on Chapel Street; the former Leo’s Bar on Nevill Street; the former Southport Visiter offices on Tulketh Street; the £5million new Wetherspoon Hotel on Lord Street; and The Garrick on Lord Street.
The new Footy Nation attraction opened at Ocean Plaza Leisure earlier this year.
Southport Pier is undergoing a comprehensive restoration programme that goes far beyond the original decking replacement plans approved three years ago.
A detailed business case was submitted to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), setting out the full scope of repairs, long-term maintenance needs and sustainability measures required to secure the pier for future generations.
Restoration work will include:
- Full replacement of decking boards and timber joists
- Extensive steelwork repairs and replacements due to corrosion
- Installation of new gates and CCTV
- Introduction of a robust long-term maintenance regime
Listed building consent has been secured.
- For more pictures from Slobber Chops please follow them at: (1) Instagram
- Keep up with updates on Southport Pier on the Friends Of Southport Pier Facebook page: (20+) Facebook
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The post Huge crane arrives to support £20 million Southport Pier restoration appeared first on Stand Up For Southport.
