History of Redcar Pier

Redcar Pier Company was formed in 1866 but work did not begin until August 1871. The 1300 foot structure opened on 2nd June 1873 to the design of J.E. & A.Dowson. Facilities included a 700-seat bandstand and separate landing stage.

In December 1885, a ship demolished the landing stage and further damage by the 'Amarant' in January 1897 caused a 60 foot breach. In August 1898, the pier-head burned down. Repairs cost £1,000 - £1,500 (the bandstand was not replaced.

A pavilion and ballroom were added in 1907 and extended in 1928 to include a cafe. The pier was breached in 1940 for defence reasons and mine and storm damage reduced its post-war length to just 45 feet beyond the pavilion.

Redcar Borough Council bought the pier in 1946 for £4,500. The 1953 east coast floods caused further damage but the pier remained open. However, in 1980, the pier was declared unsafe and was closed. The council accepted an offer to buy and remove it for just £250 and the site had been cleared by March 1981.

In June 2010, approval was given for a revamp of Redcar seafront which included an 80ft (24.3m) tower structure which was termed Redcar's 'vertical pier'. However, not everyone was enthusiastic about the development and calls began to emerge for Redcar to get a real, traditional pier once again.

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