Sensational new drone pictures have revealed the scale of the £20 million restoration of Southport Pier as work continues to transform the historic landmark.
The striking aerial images show the famous Grade II listed pier during one of the most significant restoration projects in its 166-year history, with sections stripped back and major preparations under way for the installation of new steelwork.
The pictures were captured by drone photographer Jason Williams, who runs the UK Drone Shots Facebook page, and were shared with the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group.
Southport Pier has been closed since December 2022 following concerns over its condition, but a major programme of work is now under way after £20 million of funding for its restoration was approved earlier this year.
Main contractor AE Yates is carrying out the project on behalf of Sefton Council, with the latest work focusing on dismantling sections of the structure ahead of the next phase.
Jason visited Southport in October to document the restoration from the air, capturing a rarely seen view of the extensive work taking place along the historic pier.
He said:
“Take a look at a piece of Southport history, currently being rebuilt.
“Southport Pier has stood on the town’s coastline since 1860. For generations it has been one of Southport’s most recognisable landmarks — stretching more than 3,600 feet across the sands and holding the distinction of being Britain’s oldest surviving iron pleasure pier.
“But the pier we all know is currently going through a major transformation.
“Closed since December 2022 following concerns over its condition, the Grade II listed structure is now undergoing a major restoration after £20 million of funding was approved earlier this year.
“I visited Southport in October 2026 to capture the work from the air.
“From this perspective you can really appreciate both the sheer scale of the pier and the amount of work involved in bringing a structure more than 160 years old back to life. Sections have been stripped back, decking and infrastructure removed and preparations made for replacement steelwork as the restoration progresses.
“It’s an unusual opportunity to document Southport Pier at a point that hopefully won’t be seen again for a very long time.
“One day the scaffolding, machinery and exposed structure will be gone and visitors will once again be walking along the pier. For now, this is what an important moment in its history looks like from above.
“Hopefully I’ll be back to film it again when the restoration is complete.”
The latest update from Sefton Council says restoration work is continuing at pace, with the installation of new British-bought steel among the next major stages of the project.
Significant progress has already been made across the structure.
Twenty-seven lighting arches have been safely disconnected and removed, while the kiosk and halfway house have also been taken down. A third kiosk is currently being dismantled.
Scaffolding has been erected across the landward section of the pier to provide contractors with safe access while timber decking is removed.
Existing handrails, tramlines and mechanical and electrical services have also been taken away in preparation for the next stage of the restoration.
Elsewhere on the site, an access haul road and two large crane pads have been created ahead of the installation of the replacement steel.
The restoration represents a major step towards bringing one of Southport’s best-known attractions back into use after almost four years of closure.
Opened in 1860, Southport Pier is the oldest surviving iron pleasure pier in Britain and has remained one of the resort’s defining landmarks for generations.
The latest aerial photographs offer a remarkable snapshot of the landmark during its transformation, before the restored pier eventually welcomes visitors once again.
You can keep up to date on the Friends of Southport Pier Facebook page here.
