£400,000 bid to 'save' Blackpool's under-threat piers

After becoming the only UK structures to be included on the New York-based World Monuments Watch in 2018, council officers have submitted a bid for £200,000 from American Express.

A similar amount is being sought from the British-based Paul Mellon Fund.

If successful, the grants would be used to refurbish pier buildings and could also fund historical archiving of the landmarks.

Blackpool is unique in being the only UK seaside resort with three piers including the grade II listed North Pier.

Peter Sedgwick, whose family owns all three Blackpool piers, said: “If we can get grants for work on the top of the piers, it means our repair fund can be spent on the steelwork beneath.

“At the moment we just keep going with the repairs until the money runs out.

“This winter for example we’ve spent around £300,000 on North Pier. The last three weeks we’ve had a team of 14 men doing decking, steelwork and restoring benches.

“Round the country we have lost so many piers, it’s important to protect ours.”

The piers have been placed on the World Monuments Watch due to fears they could be impacted by weather conditions changing as a result of climate change.

It means the council can take the lead in applying for grants including from sources which are otherwise not available to private organisations.

A Big Pier Watch Day is also being held at North Pier on Saturday June 9 from 11am including free entertainment and activities.

The day will feature swing band The Billionaires, Punch and Judy shows and an exhibition celebrating 200 years since the birth of Eugenius Birch, the designer of North Pier and many other early piers around the country.

Leader of Blackpool Council Coun Simon Blackburn said: “Our piers are at risk from increased storm surges and the mounting cost of repair is putting owners across the UK under huge financial pressure.

“Hopefully what we do here in Blackpool will lead to greater awareness of the challenges and maybe even some changes to how we manage them.”

Joshua David, president and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, added: “The community that has passionately rallied around the Blackpool piers is a perfect example of what the World Monuments Watch is all about.

“These beloved and historic piers are facing a dangerous and increasingly urgent threat. By expanding dialogue, exploring conservation solutions, and celebrating these great piers, Blackpool can serve as model for sites facing similar issues around the world.”