Arcade games, fairground rides, doughnut kiosks and a rickety wooden floor. You can’t beat a classic Victorian pier.
Now, one of England’s traditional old boardwalks is getting a major £1 million glow-up. The 1838-built Deal Pier in Kent has revealed plans for a huge renovation.
Since opening in the 19th century Deal Pier has been rebuilt twice: it was fully destroyed in an 1857 storm, and then a ship crashed into it in 1940. Now the 1,026-foot pier will get a thoroughly modern makeover, which Dover District Council (DDC) says will ‘secure the valued asset for future generations to enjoy’.
Deal Pier already underwent an £140,000 renovation at the end of 2024, during which repairs were made on the concrete and steel structure. But the second phase of works has just been approved by the council.
The pier’s 21st century upgrade will involve replacing the covering on the six pier legs, as well as works to protect the structure from corrosion underwater. DCC decided more work needed to be done on the pier after surveys found it had significant storm damage, mainly affecting its concrete legs.
Council leaders told the BBC that these repairs should give the pier at least another 50 years of life. Works are expected to take place during spring and summer 2026.
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