Pier Entrance Works at Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea

The longest pleasure pier in the world extends 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary from the Southend’s sea front at Western Esplanade. Entrance from the eastern side is open and inviting, show-casing the two-level pier access for either pedestrians or the iconic pier-train. However, the western side was not of the same standard. Old, poorly maintained sliding shutter doors opened-up on to a maze of old slot-machines and a cramped and dingy arcade.

Southend Borough Council designed a scheme which got rid of the old arcade and provided a new, bright and welcoming pier entrance from the western side of the pier, which also housed a small refreshments area, re-located the information desk and provided new public toilets within the open concourse area. The scheme required liaison with the neighbouring Adventure Island pleasure park in order to maintain a store area below the altered pier entrance area. Un-interrupted access was also maintained for the general public to use the pier train and walkway, throughout the duration of the contract works (save only for brief stipulated closure periods, set out in advance by the client). The scheme was delivered within budget and the prescribed contract period, in time for the new holiday season.

Ramped and stepped external access to the new entrance, to accommodate the multitude of different levels in and around the pier entrance, was also provided and replacement timber pier decking boards were prepared and installed by A W Hardy & Co Limited to create an impressive vista for visitors to this world renowned landmark.

A W Hardy & Co. Limited are pleased to have undertaken this prestigious project and restored a valuable asset to this long-established client.