19th Century pier up for sale for £3m

Skegness Pier

Skegness Pier, which has been under the same ownership since 1976, is up for sale for offers around the £3m mark.

Last acquired by Robin Mitchell, entrepreneur of a multinational kids’ rides manufacturing business established in the early 1960s, the Pier is being brought to market by Christie and Co.

The pier was officially opened on 4 June 1881, by the then Duke of Edinburgh, following a nationwide design competition. Typical of designs for the era, it was extended to 1,817 ft long with a deck width of 25ft.

Following many years of evolution, Skegness Pier today comprises a three-deck structure situated on the mainland, together with an external pier deck running out over the beach.

Carolyn Wilkinson, daughter of the late Robin Mitchell comments, “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 added: “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. There is also land either side of the Pier apart from the visible structure allowing for further expansion or redevelopment.

“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.”

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