Boscombe pier has recently undergone a £2.4 million restoration to make the structure safe and accessible to the public, securing its future for another generation at a time when many of the UK’s remaining seaside piers are being left to crumble into the sea.  

The is no toll fee for Boscombe Pier and winter opening hours are 9am to 4pm.

Why did the Council decide to restore the pier?

The present concrete pier at Boscombe was built between 1959 – 62 and has been in serious need of restoration for over twenty five years.  In 1991 the end of the pier including the former Mermaid Amusement hall became structurally unsafe and was closed to the public.  The remainder of the pier neck also became unsafe and closed in October 2005.

Meanwhile, the Council undertook extensive public consultation with local residents in 2003 looking at options for the future of Boscombe Pier.  Over 2,300 people were interviewed.  The results revealed the following:

• 89% support for revitalisation of the pier
• 92% support for either a café, takeaway or restaurant within the pier entrance building
• 11% support for re-construction of an amusement arcade on the pier

How has the refurbishment of the pier been funded?

The refurbishment work has been funded as part of the Boscombe Spa Village regeneration scheme which includes Europe’s first artificial surf reef, the refurbishment of the Overstrand building and extensive re-landscaping of Boscombe Pier Approach.  Funding has come from the sale of overspill car parking at Honeycombe Chine car park to Barratt Homes for the construction of the Honeycombe Beach housing development.

Where has the money been spent? 

£2.4 million has been spent on major repairs to the concrete structure, replacement of the structurally unsound end section with a new 18 square metre viewing platform, new pier decking, handrails, lighting and windbreak.  The grade II listed entrance building has also been externally restored.

Entrance Building

The east side of the building is a beach goods shop with the west side being a quality take-away offer. 

Vandalism

Recent vandalism has resulted in a number of glass panels in the windbreak being destroyed.  The Council is endeavouring to replace these.  The pier is under CCTV coverage linked to Bournemouth Police Station and we would encourage any sightings of vandals to be reported immediately to the police.

Fishing

Fishing off the end of the pier is permitted.  Charges apply.  An Attendant will be on hand collect.

For more information on Boscombe Pier visit the Seafront pages.

Friends of Boscombe Pier

If you are interested in finding out more about the recently formed community group ‘Inspieration’: The Friends of Boscombe Pier, please contact Boscombe Seafront office, or email Bournemouth.seafront@bournemouth.gov.uk for more information.