Coastal Communities Fund

Sefton Council plans to submit a £2.7m Stage 1 bid, as part of the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF), to help revitalise Southport Pier and Seafront. If successful, Sefton will be invited to submit a more detailed application in November for the Grade II structure and surrounding area. The proposed scheme would be funded through CCF money, Sefton Council and the Southport BID. If successful the funding would be targeted towards: · Undertaking essential structural repairs to the Pier · The creation of new units (retail/café ) on the Pier · Remodelling the end pavilion · New entrance and exit to the end of the Pier to allow access from the beach · Maximising the Pier throughout the year with a focus on green tourism during the winter months · Improvements to surrounding railings on Marine Lake · Wrapped up by a comprehensive welcome programme for visitors Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member Regeneration and Skills, said: "Southport Pier is the oldest iron constructed pier in the country, and if successful, the bid would help preserve this status. "The CCF bid sits perfect with recent tourism figures which shows Southport as a tourist destination is on the up with visitor numbers growing generating millions of pounds for the local economy. If successful it would also generate further jobs in the town. "Along with details surrounding the Southport Development Framework, this really is an exciting time for the town as a start for future development. "It shows Sefton really is open for business and we want as many people as possible to visit, explore and enjoy our wonderful borough." Peter Hampson, Chair of the Southport Pier Trust, said: “From being involved in the comprehensive refurbishment 14 years ago, the Pier Trust is delighted to see further appropriate development of this key tourism asset. "The Trust supports the proposals and if successful looks forward to working with Sefton to ensure the Pier continues to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors." The Coastal Communities Fund programme (CCF) is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, and is designed to support the economic development of coastal communities by promoting sustainable economic growth and jobs.