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Piers putting on an impressive show
Andrew Mellor Editor L
ife for UK seaside piers and their owners and operators is tough. The constant battle against the sea, all that the weather can throw at them, costly maintenance programmes and more competition
for people’s leisure spend than ever before have put paid to a good number over the years, while for those that survive in such a harsh climate (pardon the pun!) it’s a hard old existence.
But survive, and in some cases propser, they do and although there aren’t as many as there used to be, a large number of the 55 or so that still exist continue to play a key role in the overall leisure and entertainment offering of the towns they are in.
It’s been a fascinating exercise this past few weeks talking to pier owners about their venues for the article we publish on the subject in this issue of InterPark. The overwhelming challenge for all is, not surprisingly, maintaining the structures themselves, while the incredibly varied array of attractions and entertainment on offer on UK piers today is something to behold. From theatre performances to the latest, hi tech rides and attractions, it’s all there, mixed in with that uniquely traditional experience only seaside piers can provide.
Although piers are challenging structures to operate for many reasons, it is encouraging to learn that many are very successful businesses and continue to provide amusement and entertainment that visitors are willing to spend their hard earned cash on. But it is also encouraging to note the continued investment being made in UK piers, not just on maintenance but also on new attractions and facilities. And we’re not talking small amounts either!
As has been well documented, the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare reopened last October following a £50 million restoration after the pier pavilion was completely destroyed by fire. This is now a major entertainment and events facility and a very impressive sight from every angle.
Ryde pier on the Isle of Wight has just reopened after £5 million worth of works, while Boscombe pier, until recently threatened with demolition, has been totally restored. The owners of Eastbourne and Blackpool South piers are rebranding them for the 21st century, while Mumbles pier in South Wales is preparing a £39 million redevelopment scheme on and around the pier.
Southend Council has restored the damaged pier head following a major fire in 2005 and is to spend £3 million on a new cultural centre at the pier head, while Southwold pier in Suffolk was singlehandedly rebuilt in 2000 from 50ft to 600ft by an enthusiast and has just
had £150,000 of improvement works.
It now has planning permission for a 30-bedroom hotel to be erected above its entrance building. And as a final example of the popularity of piers, the Palace pier at Brighton is, according to the National Piers Society, one of the most visited attractions in Britain.
Clearly there is currently much to celebrate when it comes to the UK’s seaside piers and if all the various projects planned come to fruition, they will surely give a new lease of life to the sector. Such investment shows a real faith in piers, their potential and what they can offer and who knows, might also encourage others to follow suit.
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22 Feature Middle East update
28 Feature Live entertainment in parks
36 Show preview Asian Attractions Expo
38 Feature UK seaside piers – riding the storm
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