Southport Pier

Southport Pier is a Grade II Listed Victorian landmark and the second longest pier in the UK, but it closed on health and safety grounds in 2022. Opening-up works subsequently revealed extensive deterioration, including significant delamination of the steelwork and widespread decay to timber joists and decking. The challenge was to develop a solution that would allow the pier to reopen safely, while respecting its historic significance and creating a more durable, maintainable structure capable of securing its long-term future.

G&T is leading the restoration through its Project Management and Principal Designer & CDM Consultancy services, supporting the project from options appraisal through design development, consent, procurement and delivery planning. Following assessment of repair, refurbishment and redesign options, a comprehensive rebuild was selected, replacing the deck and steel superstructure while retaining the original cast-iron columns. We have also coordinated Listed Building Consent, funding support and programme development, helping address the pier’s complex access, logistics and weather-related constraints.

The restoration will reinstate Southport Pier as an important part of the town’s identity and strengthen its appeal as a leading coastal leisure destination in the north-west. By combining a new, robust superstructure with the retention of key historic fabric, the proposals will improve safety, durability and future maintainability while protecting the pier’s heritage character. G&T’s leadership is helping to coordinate design, statutory duties, programme and funding requirements so that the project remains focused on achieving a deliverable and enduring restoration.