History of
Lowestoft South Pier
Built originally as part of the harbour construction works, two
500 foot piers were erected in 1831 for the Norwich and Lowestoft
Navigation Company. William Cubitt was the engineer. These are now
known as the 'inner north' and 'inner south' piers. In 1884, Sir
Martin Pete formed a new company to improve the harbour. Today's
South Pier is 1320 feet long and dates from 1846.
A reading room was added in
1853/4 and a bandstand jetty in 1884. The bandstand and reading
room were destroyed by fire in 1885. Another reading room/pavilion
was constructed in 1889/91 and, in 1928, the pier was strengthened
with concrete.
The reading room/pavilion was
badly damaged during World War II. The remains were demolished.
The new owner was Associated British Ports who leased it to the
local council (now Waveney Borough Council). Some areas were
leased to other individuals at varying times.
A new pavilion was built to
the design of Skipper and Corless, local architects. It was
officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on 2nd May 1956. In the
mid-50s, a miniature railway ran the length of the pier.
Substantial alterations were
made in 1974/5. The shoreward end building was replaced by a 220
foot long leisure centre costing £220,000. The pavilion was also
improved.
In 1987, the seaward end
closed due to structural problems. ABP carried out tests and, the
following year, outlined controversial plans to incorporate the
pier into a new marina with a private clubhouse for yachtsman on
the site of the pavilion. ABP assured locals that they would still
be able to walk or fish along the pier. But, by June 1990, the
pavilion had been pulled down for over a year and there was no
sign of development on its former site.
In April 1992, ABP reported
that the Yacht Harbour scheme was postponed.They were seeking ways
of financing the work. In the meantime, just the shoreward end of
the pier remained publicly open. After refurbishment by the
council costing £30,000, the pier opened to its full length again
in June 1993.
The pier underwent a major refurbishment programme during 2008.
The South Pier now describes itself as an all encompassing
family entertainment complex, with all the latest gaming machines,
video games, bowling, bar, restaurant, gift shop and food outlets.
***
|
