Southport’s new Pier Tram – the only one of its kind in the world - has been officially unveiled.
The 100-seater custom-built British vehicle will link the end of the UK’s second longest Pier with Southport town-centre, passing the Ocean Plaza complex en route. It has been funded with a quarter of a million pounds from Mersey Waterfront, alongside £45,000 from Sefton Council and a further £30,000 from The Pier Trust.
The 3,600 ft grade II listed pier has already undergone a £7m+ restoration programme, and this modern, air-conditioned tram is an updated version of an original feature seen on the Pier pavilion when it was first built in 1860. Estimates suggest the new tram could attract an extra 70,000 visitors to the resort annually.
Louise Hopkins, Director of Mersey Waterfront, said: “Southport Pier tram is expected to generate more than £140,000 for the local economy in the next 12 months alone, and will help secure the Pier’s future. It will also complement the support Mersey Waterfront has already given to the award-winning Marine Way Bridge and ongoing improvements to link Southport seafront to Lord street and the town-centre.”
Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism and Mersey Waterfront’s Sefton board member, said: "Following its multi-million pound restoration Southport Pier has become one of the most popular places to visit in the North West. The state-of-the-art new tram is not only a fun way for people of all ages to travel along the pier but a very practical way for visitors with limited mobility to get to the pavilion and enjoy the other attractions and of course the spectacular views.”
Mike Swift, Chairman of the Southport Pier Trust, said: “This complex multi phased Heritage restoration journey, commenced in 1994 in true partnership, has borne considerable fruit, the tram not only extends the use of the Pier and in all weathers but also includes those not so able who can enjoy the complete pier experience. We now have a structure and well used coastal attraction saying a lot about the confidence, character and charisma of Southport”
Southport Pier Tram is electrically driven by the latest battery technology to ensure it is environmentally friendly. It is also fitted with a hydralic ramp for disabled access, and will be running 7 days a weeks, 10am-7pm, throughout the school summer holidays.
SOUTHPORT PIER FACTS
·At 3633 ft, Britain’s longest overland pier
·The second longest pier in Britain, just behind Southend
·Dating back to 1860, the country’s oldest surviving iron pier
