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Leigh On Sea News. Pier Repairs Agreed – SOUTHEND Council have given the green light to undertake essential repairs on Southend’s Pier, but have warned it could take “years.”
Pier Repairs Agreed – SOUTHEND Council have given the green light to undertake essential repairs on Southend’s Pier, but have warned it could take “years.”
SOUTHEND Council have given the green light to undertake essential repairs on Southend’s Pier, but have warned it could take “years.”
The 1.3mile pier is one of Southend’s top attractions, yet its Prince George extension finds itself in a state of disrepair that necessitates attention.
The extension, which played a pivotal role in securing Southend’s distinction for possessing the world’s longest pleasure pier, is slated for comprehensive improvements to extend its lifespan.
Constructed under the auspices of Prince George and inaugurated by him in 1929, the extension diverges from the main pier structure with its use of reinforced concrete columns and beams, encompassing both upper and lower decks.
The approved repair plans, while much-needed, are projected to span “several years”, with an overhaul said to encompass the removal and restoration of a concrete cover, as well as the re-casting of concrete beams.
The planning document stated: “Although this system would have a minimal impact on the overall visual character of the pier structure, it would introduce new modern technology internal to the columns thereby altering the built fabric.
“However, the very poor condition of the structure and the presence of ‘black rust’, which cannot be easily identified, makes cosmetic repairs high risk as defects could easily go undetected until failure of the concrete occurs.”
Enshrined as a Grade II listed structure, the pier represents an integral facet of the town’s heritage, and will continue to remain accessible to visitors for the duration of the improvement work.
The pier enjoyed an exceptional surge in visitors last year, setting a new record.
This year, it is well on track to surpass that record, as evidenced by the 50,890 visitors who had already embarked on the pier by May half-term 2023.
Coun Tony Cox, leader of Southend Council, said: “It is just a continuous amount of money that we are ploughing in to keep the maintenance and making sure our world-famous pier is still with us.
“Because if we didn’t do this, then we would have piers, like Brighton, that would routinely disappear into the sea.
“We believe the pier to be an icon and it will be something we will always continue to invest in to make sure we have the pier for many years to come.”
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