Group head of operations at Silcock Leisure, Serena Silcock-Prince, has welcomed the government’s decision to approve Growth Mission Funding for the £20m renovation of Southport Pier as “wonderful news” for the town, during a period of “really positive momentum” for both businesses and the local community.
Serena Silcock-Prince has welcomed the government’s decision to approve the business case for the £20m renovation of Southport Pier submitted by Sefton Council as “wonderful news” for the town, during a period of “really positive momentum.”
The proposals were given the green light by the Growth Mission Fund panel last week, allowing contractor AE Yates to immediately begin undertaking initial repairs with the intention of reopening the popular 3,635 ft landmark to visitors next year.
“Seeing approval of the business case for the full restoration of Southport Pier is very exciting!” Silcock Prince told Stand up for Southport. “It’s wonderful news for Southport. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone in our town who supported the campaign to reopen Southport Pier and highlighted its plight.”
“The whole community came together and has been really united on this cause. Southport Pier is such a much-loved landmark for not just Southport but also the whole of the Liverpool City Region, and beyond. It attracts so many families to Southport who love its health and wellbeing benefits.”
Silcock-Prince has been instrumental in campaigning for the pier to reopen since it was first closed due to safety concerns in December 2022, holding public meetings at Silcock’s Funland to foster grass-roots support, while engaging with local councillors and MPs.
“We’re very grateful for the determined support of Sefton Council and Leader Marion Atkinson, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Southport Pier Trust, the Pier Society, local businesses and most of all the people of Southport who showed how much they wanted the pier to be reopened.”
“I can’t wait to walk along Southport Pier again, and so many people are saying the same! We are really looking forward to seeing AE Yates contractors on site and restoration work taking place.”
The approval comes at a time of “really positive momentum” for Southport, with plans afoot to revitalise the Town Hall Gardens and build a new Marine Lake Events Centre, alongside work to revive Leo’s Bar, the BHS Building and the former Southport Visiter office.
“There is a real sense of positivity in Southport now and an optimism that Southport has a really bright future ahead.”
“The news about Southport Pier has given everyone a real boost. We’re now looking forward to a really busy Easter holiday period, and welcoming lots of visitors to Southport.”
To Southport with love
Serena Silcock-Prince said… “The whole community came together and has been really united on this cause. Southport Pier is such a much-loved landmark for not just Southport but also the whole of the Liverpool City Region, and beyond. It attracts so many families to Southport who love its health and wellbeing benefits…
Originally published on Coinslot on March 30, 2026. Republished with permission.