MWOTY 2024 alumni and head of operations for Silcock Leisure Group, Serena Silcock-Prince has joined forces with other residents and business leaders to drive forward a campaign to save Southport Pier.
The pier was closed to the public due to safety fears in December 2022 after freezing temperatures caused damage to the structure. The ongoing closure has had a significant impact on the town’s economy and dealt a devastating blow to local businesses.
A survey published in May 2024 revealed the extent of damage and the potential costs to restore the pier, with later estimates stating that it would cost around £13 million to bring it back into use.
While Sefton Council does not have the funds to deliver this restoration, business leaders and owners like Serena, and local residents, are undeterred, understanding the potential economic and also cultural impact of restoring the historic pier.
At the end of January, Serena hosted a public meeting at a fish and chip restaurant owned by her family to discuss the future of Southport Pier, expecting about 40 attendees. Nearly 400 people turned up, including Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors and Southport’s Labour MP Patrick Hurley.
Serena, who is a visible and proud advocate for the town, called the meeting to bring people together and come up with an action plan for the structure.
Speaking to the Southport Visiter recently, she said: “We need and deserve to have our pier reopened. It is an iconic beacon, a visual representation of both Southport’s rich history and future potential.
“The pier is obviously critical to the businesses that directly depend on it but also important to the rest of the town. We believe we can make it happen.”
The meeting spearheaded by Serena marked a positive starting point for discussions about revitalising a charitable trust that could seek the funding required for the work on the pier which could allow it to be reopened.
To stay up to date on the campaign, visit: https://savesouthportpier.co.uk/
