Wellington Pier facts for kids
Wellington Pier at night
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| Official name | Wellington Pier |
|---|---|
| Type | Pleasure Pier |
| Design | P Ashcroft |
| Owner | Family Amusements |
| Total length | 700 feet (210 m) |
| Opening date | 31 October 1853 |
The Wellington Pier is a famous pier found in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth. This town is located in the English county of Norfolk. Piers are long structures that stretch out over the water. They are often used for fun activities and entertainment.
History of Wellington Pier
The Wellington Pier first opened its doors on 31 October 1853. It was built from wood and stretched about 700-foot (210 m) into the sea. The cost to build this impressive structure was £6,776. A person named P. Ashcroft designed the pier.
In its very first year, the pier was a huge hit! It made a profit of £581, which was a lot of money back then. However, five years later, another pier was built nearby. This new pier made it harder for Wellington Pier to make as much money.
By 1899, the pier was having financial trouble. The local council, called Great Yarmouth Corporation, stepped in to help. They bought the pier for £1,250. They had big plans to make the pier even more fun and entertaining for visitors. On 13 July 1903, a brand new Pavilion building opened on the pier. They also added a Winter Gardens area, which was moved from another town called Torquay.
Modern Times at the Pier
In the early 1970s, the pier was made much stronger. Workers added a lot of new steel to its structure. Later, in 1996, a famous entertainer named Jim Davidson took over the pier's lease. He spent about £750,000 of his own money to improve the inside of the pier. However, the outside of the pier did not get funding for repairs.
The theatre on the pier was empty for a while. Then, in early 2005, parts of it were taken down. By late 2005, the front part of the pier was completely rebuilt. It became a large amusement arcade, full of games and rides. Between 2005 and 2010, shows were still held at the theatre. Jim Davidson and Bradley Walsh were some of the stars who performed there.
Today, a company called Family Amusements runs the Wellington Pier. They also manage the Winter Gardens complex and the Britannia Pier nearby. The Winter Gardens used to be a big indoor play area for children. It also had a cafe and a bar. The unique, futuristic-looking metal parts that Jim Davidson installed are still there. However, the Winter Gardens building has been empty since 2008 because of safety concerns. The play equipment was removed in 2010.
By September 2008, the old theatre at the end of the pier had changed again. It was turned into a large bowling alley with bars. The original steel and iron parts of the pier were carefully restored. They are now visible in the new building. Many visitors don't even realize it's a new building because it looks so much like the old theatre. The bowling alley has ten full-size lanes. They take up most of the space where the old stage used to be.
During the work on the pier, a beautiful stained-glass picture was discovered. It is 80 feet long and shows ships sailing into the port of Great Yarmouth. This amazing artwork has been restored. It is now a main feature at the entrance of the new pier complex.
