 New Brighton Pier, c1890-1900 | |
| Type | Pleasure, fishing |
|---|---|
| Locale | Wallasey, Cheshire, England |
| Characteristics | |
| Construction | Joseph Dowson |
| Total length | 600 feet (180 m)[1] |
| History | |
| Designer | Eugenius Birch |
| Opening date | 1867[1] |
| Closure date | 1977[1] |
| Coordinates | 53°26′22″N 3°02′11″W / 53.43955°N 3.03652°W |
New Brighton Pier was a pleasure and fishing pier in New Brighton, Wallasey (then part of Cheshire) in England. It was built during the late 1860s at a length of 600 feet (180 m). During the 19th century, New Brighton had developed into a popular seaside resort for Liverpool's working class visitors.
James Atherton, a merchant and property developer, along with his son-in-law William Rowson, spearheaded the area's development and invited investors to fund a hotel and ferry link to Liverpool, resulting in a wooden landing pier opening in 1834. The Wallasey Improvement Act of 1864 authorized the construction of an upgraded iron ferry pier designed by James Brunlees, featuring a floating landing stage. An adjacent promenade pier designed by Eugenius Birch was also later built.
Throughout the early 20th century, the pier underwent various improvements and additions, including a pavilion in 1892 and extensions to the promenade pier in 1900. However, by the 1920s, maintenance costs became unsustainable, leading to the pier's closure in 1923. Wallasey Corporation purchased the pier in 1928 and replaced all structures, including the pavilion, eventually reopening in 1930 and with further improvements in 1935. During World War II, the pier helped protect the River Mersey and prevent passage into Liverpool.
By 1965, the pier faced severe financial losses and structural issues, leading to its closure by the council. It briefly reopened in June 1968 but despite improvements, permanently closed in November 1972. Ferry services to New Brighton had already ceased in 1971. By 1975, engineers declared the pier dangerous due to severe corrosion. Despite efforts by the 'Save New Brighton Pier' committee and local advocacy groups, permission was granted for demolition which was completed by July 1978.
- ^ a b c "New Brighton Pier". National Piers Society. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2021.