History of
Felixstowe Pier
The pier was built for the Coast Development Company Ltd., which
was formed in 1898 by a merger between Belle Steamers Ltd. and
other local concerns. Promoted in 1903, the pier opened in August
1905 to a length of half a mile. It incorporated a 3 foot 6 inch
gauge electric tramway.
In 1905, the Coast Development Company was succeeded by the Coast
Development Corporation Ltd. They went into liquidation in 1915
and were wound up in 1922. East Coast Piers Ltd., who continued
the summer-only operation of the tramway, acquired both pier and
tramway.
The tramway service was suspended at the outbreak of World War II
and never resumed. The pier was sectioned for defence reasons and
its seaward end was demolished after the war.
In 1996, plans for a £2.5 million rebuilding scheme to save the
pier from collapse were released, with at least £700,000 required
for immediate repairs. Attractions at the shoreward end would be
extended to include a ten-pin bowling alley, cafe, shops and a
bar. A roller-skating rink would be built above the arcade. There
would also be kiosks along the pier's length and a new landing
stage. Nothing came of this however, and in 1999 a charitable
trust was formed to try and save the pier. This also eventually
was wound up and ownership reverted to Pier Amusements Ltd. who
applied for a demolition order in 2004.
The proximity of the Port of Felixstowe shipping lanes accounts
for navigation lights at the head.
The shoreward end still offers a range of amusements and food
outlets, but the main body of the pier itself is closed to the
public.
At the moment, things do not look very promising for Felixstowe
Pier.
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