History of

Designed by Peter Bruff, Manager and Engineer of the Eastern Union Railway, the pier opened on 18th July 1871. A lifeboat station was added in 1878 and extensions in 1890-3 took the pier’s length to 1180 feet. A new polygonal head incorporated a pavilion with concert hall, stalls and refreshment and waiting rooms. The new landing stage catered for increased steamer traffic. In 1898, the original pier company went into liquidation. When the Coast Development Company took over the structure, it was valued at £52,112.

Ernest Kingsman bought the pier in 1922, and was responsible for many changes. That year saw the building of the Blue Lagoon Dance Hall and the Lifeboat House (enlarged in 1983). The Ocean Theatre was erected in 1928. The pier was widened in 1931 and in 1932 the Crystal Casino and Swimming Pool were constructed.

In 1940, the pier was sectioned for defence purposes. The Crystal Casino and a children’s theatre were demolished and not replaced.

After the war, the pier was repaired and ownership passed to the New Walton Pier Company. Storms hit the pier in 1978, 1979 and 1987. It was bought by Anglo-Australian Automatics in 1981 for £2 million, but was almost a year in receivership before passing into the hands of E & M Harrison Ltd in October 1994. Refurbishment work began almost immediately.

E&M Harrison Ltd retained ownership until March 2009 when it was sold to Billy and Elliot Ball, trading as the Clacton Pier Company. The new owners and their family have been involved in amusements in the resort for more than 60 years and described themselves as custodians of a landmark for the whole town.

In April 2009, a 50ft-tall helter-skelter was erected on the landmark as part of the new owners’ plans to renew the attraction.

Current facilities also include a very large amusement hall, tea rooms, restaurant, plus a range of shows and stalls on the open deck.
 

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