“Southport’s status and future as a seaside town looks bleak.”

That was the grim warning issued by ex-MP and local councillor, John Pugh, during a poignant address to a full council chamber. With visible trepidation, Councillor Pugh raised his concerns about whether Southport can still tout itself as a classic British ‘seaside town’.

His alarming words came against the troubling backdrop of the protracted closure of the iconic Southport pier, inactive for more than two years, alongside alarm over the increasing “muddiness” that plagues its once-pristine beach.

In response, Sefton Council has confirmed their unwavering resolve to revitalise and reopen Southport Pier. They are actively monitoring the conditions affecting the leisure beach.

However, the real quandary arises from the financial deficit laid bare by the pier’s shutdown in 2022, which was prompted by safety concerns, leaving the council in dire need of funds to tackle the extensive issues afflicting the structure, reports Lancs Live.

A representative of Sefton Council said: “Sefton Council has and will continue to invest resources and funds into the Southport Pier project and there is an incredible depth of planning that is being done to put the Pier in the best possible position so that refurbishment can begin swiftly once vital and necessary funding is secured.”

The revival efforts for the pier form part of Sefton Council’s broader regeneration ambitions for Southport. Just last week, works kicked off for the transformation of the ‘Market Quarter’.

The successful procuring of investment for the upcoming facelift of Leo’s Bar edifice was announced, along with confirmation that the new ‘Enterprise Arcade’ will throw open its doors come this spring.

The ambitious £73m Marine Lake Events Centre project, poised to be a standout development for the area, is anticipated to draw in 288,000 visitors annually.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Economy, said: “Not only are these projects directly impactful but they have also catalysed significant private sector investment, with exciting developments such as the Cove Resort project, enhanced Pleasureland attractions and renewed interest in key sites like the Waterfront Hotel and the former BHS building.”

While many Southport residents and workers welcome these regeneration efforts, there’s a sense of apprehension regarding the town’s future.

Brenda, a Formby resident for nearly five decades who frequents Southport for shopping, has watched the area transform extensively over the years.

Reflecting on the past, Brenda said: “It used to be so pretty and bustling and the buildings were lovely. It was a great place to visit, especially for the kids.

In terms of what I understand it to be, I couldn’t describe it as a seaside town now. It’s gone scruffier. The shops are empty. It just feels it’s on the decline.”

Expressing her hopes, Brenda added: “II couldn’t tell you what, but it obviously needs something. We’ll have to wait and see what they come up with and I just hope I live long enough to see an improvement.”

The need for enhancements in the town is urgent for some locals, like David Winn, proprietor of Met Quarter Tattoo in Southport.

After nearly eight years of business and a lifetime lived in the town since his childhood, Dave has a wealth of suggestions to better the locality, advocating greater involvement from local enterprises.

Yet, Dave eyes so-called rejuvenation efforts such as ‘Transformation de Southport’, centred on areas such as Market Street, with a hefty dose of scepticism.

He believes small businesses have been largely ignored in the dialogue, especially concerning the repercussions of ceaseless roadworks.

Dave remains dubious about the refurbishing of the pier being the panacea for Southport’s woes.

Dave said: “When I was a lot younger, Southport was a vibrant, thriving town, but anything that they’ve done to sort of modernise it has ruined most of it. These projects are always projected as ‘it’s going to be the greatest thing’.

“There’s plenty of empty units in amazing buildings just lying empty and also in a bad condition.

“We should be lowering rates and rent and supporting new businesses and spending some money on refurbishing these existing spaces.”

In further comments, Dave said: “There is a lot of potential here but we have a bit of an identity crisis at the moment and are stuck between an idea. We don’t seem to know whether we want to be ‘high end’ or ‘kiss me quick’.”

The allure of Southport’s potential enticed Tracy Jones, who after her relocation from Brighton opened ‘The Plant Room’ shop in the early part of 2023.

Tracy, whose husband hails from Southport, developed a fondness for the town through numerous visits before deciding to make it her home two years earlier.

Tracy was charmed by the grandeur of Southport’s architecture and the “beautiful” displays that adorn shop fronts along Lord Street.

She seized the opportunity to set up shop in Southport, driven by its untapped promise, though she kept a level head about the speed of the town’s rejuvenation.

‘The Plant Room’ is nestled on Market Street, currently amidst redevelopment efforts to convert the area into a pedestrian haven, forge better links, and craft new communal spaces a development warmly welcomed by local entrepreneurs who anticipate a boost in patronage despite the looming ten-month stretch of roadworks.

Tracy said: “We’re all a little bit apprehensive about it. We just don’t know what the impact is going to be and whether it will stop people visiting the area.

“We also know there has to be a small amount of inconvenience in order for progress to happen. There is lots of potential here, but we need a bit of belief and investment.”

Norman B. Wallis, the owner of Pleasureland since 2007, is nothing but optimistic about Southport’s future, even in the absence of its iconic pier.

He sees a town brimming with potential and insists that the key to success lies in diversification to attract a wider audience. He said:”Southport is full of opportunity and promise. We all share the same goal: the best possible future for Southport. By working together, focusing on positivity, and embracing a vision of vibrancy and opportunity, we will ensure Southport remains a thriving, welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.”

Despite some worries concerning Southport’s coastal charm, there’s a unifying ambition among locals to see the town reach new heights. How best to realise that dream is where opinions diverge.

Regardless of what changes may come, Southport’s soul is firmly anchored to its heritage as a haven of enjoyment and retreat.

At the end of our visit, an encounter with a cyclist and his dog Otto lends us a final thought on the pier’s uncertain fate.

He said: “I’m not sure what or when it will happen but I can say Otto will love walking along it again and hopefully we’ll get the chance one day soon.”