The Bournemouth Pier
Boasts the best views of the Bay and the beautiful
coastline. We are brimming with shops for those essential souvenirs and have many attractions including :
- Fantastic entertainment at the Pier Theatre
- Hearty seaside fare at the KEY WEST Bar and Restaurant
- Family fun at the Children's mini funfair
- Romantic and exhilarating boat trips around the Bay
- Miles and miles of white, sandy beaches
Welcome to the Bournemouth Pier
Managed by:
Openwide International Ltd. 24/26 Arcadia Avenue. Finchley Central. London, N3 2JU
On the 3rd December 1847 a meeting was held at the Bath Hotel where it was proposed to form a company to raise £2,000 in order to fund the construction of a new pier, the scheme fell through due to lack of finance and they decided to build a small jetty instead. The jetty was opened in 1856 but was damaged by a storm on 20th August in 1856 and was demolished.
Bournemouth:
the Jetty from the sea, 1856
It was completed and officially opened on 17th September 1861 at a cost of £3,418. Sadly the wooden piles of the pier were attacked by the marine teredo worm, they weakened the piles to such an extent 300 foot of the pier was washed away in 1866. The T head then disappeared in 1867.
In 1869 a toll-house for the pier collector was placed at the entrance at a cost of £30. The annual family ticket for locals (including servants) cost between 5s to 1guinea, based on the rateable value of their property. Visitors were charged 2s 6d for a monthly ticket or 1d a visit.
In the autumn of 1878 work began on a design for an iron pier, two years later after costing £21,600 to construct, the pier was formally opened on the 11th August 1880 by the Lord Mayor of London. The new pier was 835 feet in length, although extensions in 1894 and 1905 took it up to 1000 feet. The ornate entrance building boasted a clock tower, while on the pier itself there was a concert area, tea house and gift shop.
Bournemouth Pier
Opening extention 1909
During the Second World War the pier was sectioned for defence purposes, but was reopened with a temporary gangway in August 1945 and fully repaired between 1946 and 1950. In 1960 an 850 seat pavilion was finally added, which became a popular summer show attraction. Between 1979 and 1981 the pier extensively rebuilt in concrete at a cost of £1.7 million, which included a two-storey leisure centre at the entrance.
Bournemouth Pier
Opening extention 1909
Bournemouth Pier
Entrance 1930
Historical background of the pier
"A Lasting Landmark"
In 1859 George Rennie, brother of celebrated engineer John Rennie came up with the design for a 1,000 foot wooden pier with a width of 15 foot and a T shaped pier head.
