Hastings Pier

Hastings Pier is set to re-open to the public this spring following the devastating fire on 5th October 2010 which nearly destroyed the entire structure.

A £14.2 million refurbishment, which has taken over two years to complete, has transformed the pier and will once again make it a place for groups to visit and enjoy whilst in east Sussex.

A new visitor centre has been built and will act as a Heritage Centre, with a digital archive revealing different aspects of the pier’s history, much of which has been contributed by local residents.

A roof terrace café and a bistro will also form part of the new visitor centre, as will function rooms which will be available for private events, receptions and meetings. 

A full service restaurant will be located in the one remaining original – and now restored – building on the pier.

Due to poor maintenance Hastings Pier was forced to close ten years ago because of fears it had become unsafe. The fire in 2010, however, then destroyed 95 per cent of the upper structure.

A substantial Heritage Lottery Fund grant has funded much of the renovation of the pier, whilst investors – many local to the Hastings area – also raised significant funds.

The summer will see the pier host a Summer Circus from Friday 5th August through to the August bank holiday.

There are also plans for the pier to be used for a farmers’ market, an outdoor cinema, concerts, theatre performances, Christmas fairs, an ice rink, art installation and night sky watching, as well as the more traditional seaside promenading. 

For more information visit www.hpcharity.co.uk.