Huge blow to iconic UK seaside resort as nation's oldest pier dating back 160 years goes up for sale ‘with heavy heart'
PIER PRESSURE Huge blow to iconic UK seaside resort as nation's oldest pier dating back 160 years goes up for sale 'with heavy heart'
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THE family that owns a historic pier in a major seaside town has put it up for sale.
Blackpool's Grade II-listed North Pier is the oldest in England and was first opened in 1863.
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The North Pier is up for sale after making a £2.3million turnover last year
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The Sedgwick family bought the landmark in 2011 and also own the town's other two piers.
Directors for Northern Victorian Pier Ltd said the decision was "made with a heavy heart", and that they have "chosen to focus [their] attention on the wider portfolio, including Central and South Piers".
Estate agents Avison Young revealed the turnover last year was £2.3million and they are now looking for "sensible offers".
The Victorian promenade measures around 1,410ft out from the shore and is made from cast iron and wood.
It's older than the famous Blackpool tower and includes a theatre, amusement arcade, electric train and variety of eateries.
It currently employs ten full-time, three part-time and around 40 seasonal staff.
This comes after Blackpool's Pleasure Beach had added a £25 fee for non-riders.
For those wanting to go on the rides, an adult ticket on the day is now £50, or £30 online if paid in advance.
But it's the fixed fee for anyone not planning to go on rides that has received the most backlash.
The non-rider ticket of £25 has been designed to offer guests greater 'flexibility when planning their day out.'
Included in the price is £5 worth of 'Pleasure Beach Pounds' to put towards food, discounted show tickets and attractions like the Chinese Puzzle Maze.
But it still hasn't sat well with visitors, one wrote on Facebook: "Wow £25 to walk around only, I'll stick to the pier thanks."
Another added: "Overpriced, £10 per non rider would have got far more people through the gates."
Some even went as far as to call it a "con" and called the whole thing "daylight robbery".
The likes of Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Drayton Manor and Flamingo Land all have general admission fees for all.
These range from £27.50-£68 - all of which are more expensive than Blackpool Pleasure Beach's non-rider fee.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to 10 rollercoasters, five 'dark' (indoor) rides, five water rides and 12 Nickelodeon-themed rides.
The attraction also has a number of shows and events throughout the year, including late night riding and fireworks.
It first opened in 1896, and is still popular today.
It was recently named as the number one destination to take kids to during the summer holidays, based on its reviews.
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