Skegness Pier to be sold

The sale was announced today by specialist leisure property adviser, Christie & Co on the instructions of the family of the late Robin Mitchell, who acquired the iattraction in 2006..

Skegness Pier has been in the same family ownership since 1976 and is being offered for sale due to retirement.

The pier was officially opened on June 4, 1881, by the then Duke of Edinburgh, following a nationwide design competition. Typical of designs for the era, it was at the time the fourth longest in England, extending to 1,817 ft long with a deck width of 25ft. Steamboat trips ran from the pier to Norfolk until 1910.

During World War II, the pier closed in an attempt to prevent enemy invasion.

A severe storm in 1978 caused significant damage to it, isolating the pier head and shelters which were ultimately demolished in the mid-1980s due to the significant costs of restoration.

One of just 61 still remaining in the UK, Skegness Pier today comprises a three-deck structure situated on the mainland, together with an external pier deck running out over the beach.

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents alike stroll it to enjoy views along miles of surrounding beach.

During the summer months it also plays host to a variety of traditional seaside attractions such as Hook-A-Duck and children's Carousel, the Big Slide, Helter Skelter and Bungee Trampoline plus many others.

Indoors, the three landward decks house in effect three large interconnected family amusement centres, incorporating redemption machines with a popular camel racing game and large prize shop, two adult gaming centres, children’s soft play, ten Qubica AMF Bowling Lanes with a themed Hollywood Bar and Diner, an amusement machine area, Laser Quest, four recently installed “Escape” rooms, a Beach Bar with an indoor and outdoor stage for live performances and the latest state of the art, Hologate Virtual Reality system, as well as various food outlets and ice cream kiosks.

Carolyn Wilkinson, daughter of the late Robin Mitchell, said, “Since my father passed away in 2006 we have continued as custodians of this immense structure.

"Whilst the business is effectively operated under management for the family and we have consistently invested in improving the facilities and customer experience, we are at that time in our lives where it makes sense to pass the reigns to new owners.

"I’ve been contacted many times over the years asking if we would sell and so this incredible opportunity now becomes a reality.”

Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure and Development at Christie & Co who is overseeing the sale process, commented, “Skegness Pier is a fundamental part of the town’s appeal, situated between the resort’s Clock Tower and a Premier Inn opened in 2019 and flanked by the Pleasure Beach fairground.

"Being positioned predominantly on the mainland sets it apart from many other pier structures and it has received considerable recent investment which will appeal to potential purchasers."

Given the comparatively small number of piers in the UK, with many in council or long-time family ownership, they are something of a rarity. As such, we envisage that Skegness Pier will appeal to a variety of leisure operators and investors from both the UK and potentially further afield.”