Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Brighton’s iconic Palace Pier, a cherished landmark with over a century of history, has been placed on the market, according to its chief executive. The Brighton Pier Group, which currently owns the 126-year-old structure classified as Grade II* Listed, made the decision to sell in order to maximize returns for its shareholders. Although the sale price has not been disclosed, the group indicated that prospective buyers would need to be prepared to invest several million pounds. There is optimism that new ownership could be established by the upcoming summer season, allowing the pier to transition ahead of its peak trading period.
The decision to sell comes after several challenging years for the pier’s operations, largely attributed to a downturn in tourism within Brighton and unfavorable weather conditions over recent summers. Anne Ackord, CEO of the Brighton Pier Group, reflected on the emotional difficulty of the choice, emphasizing the pier’s cultural significance to the local community: “The pier is an integral part of Brighton and I know the local council and residents appreciate that.” She acknowledged the sadness surrounding the sale but stressed the company’s responsibility to its shareholders as the driving factor behind the move.
Brighton Palace Pier boasts a rich history, having opened in May 1899 following three years of construction. The Brighton Pier Group acquired the pier in 2016 for £18 million. Over the course of 2023 and 2024, the group noted the business had faced a “very difficult trading situation,” with overall costs rising by approximately 50%, according to a warning issued earlier in 2025. In response to economic pressures, an entrance fee was implemented in 2024 for non-residents, initially set at £1 before increasing to £2 in March, which helped to recover some lost income but sales still declined compared to the previous year.
In addition to the pier, the Brighton Pier Group has been active in managing other entertainment assets, recently putting the Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire up for sale with a price tag of £3 million. As challenges persist, the future ownership of Brighton Palace Pier remains an important matter for both the community and investors, with the landmark continuing to hold a special place as both a national and local treasure
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.