Iconic UK seaside city scraps pier entry payment as a part of £700k funding | UK | News | EUROtoday

A well-liked UK seaside city has scrapped the entry payment for its pier forward of the summer season. The attraction has suspended its entry toll for greater than three years because of £700,000 price of funding.

Bournemouth Pier, an award-winning Victorian landmark that first opened in 1880, might be free to enter till the top of October 2029. It comes after Adventure Attractions, which operates the pier, dedicated over £700,000 in March to maintain the enduring landmark accessible to residents and guests.

The transfer has been made in an effort to extend footfall and assist tourism, altogether boosting the native economic system in Bournemouth.

Sarah Hunter, Adventure Attractions managing director, stated: “Increasing accessibility to the pier has always been our ambition, and the response over the past year has been incredibly positive. Continuing the toll suspension allows us to build on that momentum and ensure the pier remains a place everyone can enjoy, all year round.”

Some of the UK’s most iconic seaside cities nonetheless cost a small admission payment to enter their piers. They often apply throughout peak season – between March and October – and are used to assist cowl upkeep prices.

Brighton Pier prices £1 within the “pre-summer” interval earlier than rising to £2 throughout peak summer season. Meanwhile, a “walk both ways” ticket is priced at £2 for Southend Pier and guests to Hythe Pier are additionally charged the identical quantity.

Following a one-year profitable trial in Bournemouth, the choice has been made to make the pier free to enter for an extra three years. Bosses discovered the transfer considerably boosted footfall to each the pier and the broader resort.

Ms Hunter added: “It is a difficult time for the Leisure and hospitality industry, but in anticipation of BCP Councils’ investment in the structure of the pier, we are showing our commitment to the future by investing over £700,000 in removing the toll.

“This is a large funding and threat for us, however the elevated footfall and assist for our companies have proven us that the chance is there to develop the pier into the long run and develop the returns that may justify the funding.

“As BCP Council invest in the structure for the future, Adventure Attractions want to invest in developing the customer experience for the future to ensure the partnership continues to deliver and develop.”

Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, continued: “Bournemouth Pier is one of our most loved landmarks and keeping it open and accessible benefits both residents and visitors alike.

“We are happy to have the ability to work with Adventure Attractions to permit residents and guests to benefit from the pier toll free which helps encourage footfall, helps tourism, and strengthens the native economic system, whereas guaranteeing the pier stays a welcoming, on a regular basis area for our communities.”