What’s next for North Myrtle Beach’s damaged Cherry Grove pier? Here’s an update.

Construction for the much anticipated Cherry Grove Fishing Pier might take a bit longer than what was originally expected.

Edgar Stephens, the pier manager, said that he was hoping for an opening in September, but construction is at a minimum of eight weeks out from being complete.

Construction crews are in the process of putting in new decking and piling, he said.

The pier was split in half during Hurricane Ian in 2022, which brought powerful storm surges, winds and rain to Horry County. The storm damaged several other piers, including the Pawleys Island Pier, the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, the 2nd Avenue Pier, the Apache Pier, and the Sea Cabin Pier.

The Cherry Grove Fishing Pier was built in the 1950s and extends about 985 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, it’s suffered damage from several hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

But the pier with its small-town charm has brought fishermen and tourists back despite the damage.

When construction is complete, visitors and locals can expect an overall new look to the pier as well as improved lighting.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, we just want to get our pier back in shape so people can come and enjoy fishing,” Stephens said.

A grand opening event will be held as well.

Those interested in the construction can also look on the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier social media, where Stephens said updates would be posted.