Trio of iconic piers up for grabs

BILFINGER, GVA’s Manchester retail, hotels and leisure team has been instructed to sell three of the UK’s best known and historic piers.

All three of the piers – two in Blackpool and one in Llandudno – are owned by Lancashire-based leisure attraction operator Cuerden Leisure.

Collectively they are on the market for offers of around £12.6m, with individual guide prices of £4.8m for Blackpool Central, £3.3m for Blackpool South Pier and £4.5m for Llandudno Pier.

Known to millions around the world, the piers boast attractions enjoyed by tourists and visitors to the two famous seaside towns every year.
 
The piers were constructed in the 19th century using cast iron piles, steel frames and wooden decking, and all boast features including promenades, amusement arcades, rides and food and beverage outlets.
 
Blackpool Central Pier is perhaps best known for its striking 33-metre-high Ferris wheel, added in 1990, while Blackpool South Pier features popular rides including the Skyscreamer and the Skycoaster.
 
Llandudno Pier, admired widely for its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and known as the ‘Queen of Welsh Piers’, has a total length of almost 2,300 feet and nestles in the crescent bay between the outcrops of the Little and Great Orme.
 
Income is predominantly generated through a number of annual concession agreements on each of the piers which collectively generate an income of more than £1.6m per year.
 
Richard Baldwin, director at Bilfinger said Cuerden Leisure was looking to sell the three piers as the group restructures its assets.
 
He said: “The piers are iconic North West attractions that have drawn international and local visitors for more than 100 years. Being located in two of the UK’s best known seaside resorts, the piers are profitable assets and we anticipate a high level of interest in their availability.”
 
The piers are available freehold, subject to various concession agreements in place.
 
St John Stott, director at Cuerden Leisure, adds: “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.”