Visitor numbers to Southend Pier have reached their highest level since it was ravaged by fire in 2005.
By 21 October, 294,190 people had already visited the pier compared to 283,468 for the whole of 2013: the previous record year since the fire.
The pier’s management say the figures are ‘extremely encouraging’ and that the attraction will almost certainly smash the 300,000 visitor mark by the end of the year.
Councillor Graham Longley, Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, said: “Southend Pier – the longest pleasure pier in the world – is a national treasure and a symbol of immense local pride.
“2014 has been another fantastic year for us. We’ve had one of the driest summers in recent history and the pier has again drawn the gaze of film and television producers, such as Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast.
“However, there’s still a lot more I want to be done to drive these figures up further – including the possibility of extending pier opening times - and increase its income to bring it to self-sufficiency.
“I’d like to explore all our options for how we use the space of the former bowling alley, increase private bookings at the Royal Pavilion and attract further private sector investment.
“It’s a world-class landmark and we want to ensure it enjoys a long and prosperous role in our town.”
Visitor numbers since 2005
2005 – 331,306
2006 – 169,018 (following Pier fire in October 2005)
2007 – 243,396
2008 – 255,849
2009 – 243,169
2010 – 218,512
2011 – 230,353
2012 – 246,551
2013 – 283,468
2014 (up to 21 October) – 294,190
By 21 October, 294,190 people had already visited the pier compared to 283,468 for the whole of 2013: the previous record year since the fire.
The pier’s management say the figures are ‘extremely encouraging’ and that the attraction will almost certainly smash the 300,000 visitor mark by the end of the year.
Councillor Graham Longley, Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, said: “Southend Pier – the longest pleasure pier in the world – is a national treasure and a symbol of immense local pride.
“2014 has been another fantastic year for us. We’ve had one of the driest summers in recent history and the pier has again drawn the gaze of film and television producers, such as Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast.
“However, there’s still a lot more I want to be done to drive these figures up further – including the possibility of extending pier opening times - and increase its income to bring it to self-sufficiency.
“I’d like to explore all our options for how we use the space of the former bowling alley, increase private bookings at the Royal Pavilion and attract further private sector investment.
“It’s a world-class landmark and we want to ensure it enjoys a long and prosperous role in our town.”
Visitor numbers since 2005
2005 – 331,306
2006 – 169,018 (following Pier fire in October 2005)
2007 – 243,396
2008 – 255,849
2009 – 243,169
2010 – 218,512
2011 – 230,353
2012 – 246,551
2013 – 283,468
2014 (up to 21 October) – 294,190
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