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Return of glory days promised as deal saves historic pier from ruin
A historic pier that has been enjoyed by generations of holidaymakers has been saved from ruin after it was bought by a businessman.
Bryn Ilsley, Grimsby-based director of Peacefields Properties, has bought Cleethorpes Pier for an undisclosed six-figure sum, and pledged to restore it to its former glory.
The pier, most recently owned by Kash Pungi, went into receivership in January and has been closed ever since.
Mr Ilsley said: "The purchase of Cleethorpes Pier comes with real opportunity. Obviously, it's a much loved landmark in the town with residents but it's also a massive attraction for tourists.
"I remember coming to Cleethorpes Pier in its heyday and it's such a shame that it has been neglected in recent years. We have a sympathetic restoration plan in place and are busy renovating all 30 rooms.
"It's a lot of hard work and it's inevitable that we'll unearth more work along the way, but we're really excited by the project and are really looking forward to our re-launch later this year."
Cleethorpes Pier was commissioned by the Cleethorpes Promenade Pier Company and opened during the August bank holiday of 1873. It was built by Head Wrightson and constructed of iron piles under a timber deck, measuring 1,200ft in length.
A seaward end pavilion was built in 1888 but this was destroyed by fire in 1903. In 1905, shops and a caf were built at the pier-head along with a new pavilion.
In 1936 ownership passed to Cleethorpes Borough Council.
The pier pavilion was modernised in 1968 with new facilities including a 600-seat concert hall, a caf and a bar.
It changed hands several times until Mr Pungi bought it in 2007.
Andrew Foster, of Leeds-based receivers GVA Grimley, said: "It's one of only five piers that still remains in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire so it's great to see there was a strong appetite for retaining an integral part of our coastal history."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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