Three of the UK’s best known seaside piers are up for grabs for a combined total of £12.6 million.The attractions – two in Blackpool and one in Llandudno – have been placed on the market by current owner Cuerden Leisure.
Llandudno Pier, known as the Queen of Welsh Piers, opened in 1877 following the loss of the original pier in a storm. The 2.300 ft pier, which was voted Pier of the Year in 2005, stands in the crescent between the outcrops of Little and Great Orme and has a guide price of £4.5 million.
Opened in 1893, Blackpool South Pier features a number of amusements and rides including the Skycoaster and Skyscreamer. It is available for £3.3 million.
Perhaps the best known of the trio is Blackpool Central Pier (pictured) which opened to the public in 1868 and boasts a striking 33-metre high Ferris wheel. This attraction has an individual guide price of £4.8 million.
Income from the piers is largely generated through a number of annual concession agreements which currently generate a combined annual income of over £1.6 million.
Bilfinger GVA’s Retail, Hotels and Leisure team has been instructed to sell the piers and director Richard Baldwin says the disposal is part of Cuerden Leisure’s restructuring programme.
“Each of these piers are truly iconic structures, having been popular visitor attractions in two of the UK’s best known resorts for over a century,” he said.
“Each pier is being offered for sale freehold, subject to the various concession agreements in place. As profitable attractions we’re confident this sale will attract major interest.”
Director of Cuerden Leisure St John Stott added: “These assets are jewels in the crown of the UK’s coastline and we are delighted to offer them to the market either as separate lots or collectively.”
