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Felixstowe Nub News delves into the history of Felixstowe pier.

The iconic Felixstowe pier was first opened in August 1905 with a length of 2,640 feet. At the time it was one of the longest in the country. It also had its own train station.

The pier was constructed using timber as opposed to iron which was unusual for the time. Paddle steamer boat services took visitors to and from other resorts for one penny, including London Bridge and Great Yarmouth.

The pier was sectioned during the war by the Royal Engineers for defence purposes to prevent enemy invasion. This included the suspension of the tram system which was never picked up again after the war.

Many repair and renovation plans were proposed over the years, this includes a 1996 repair project of a £2.5million rebuilding scheme to save the pier from collapse.

Felixstowe pier [Credit: Visit Felixstowe]

Attractions at the shoreward end would be extended to include a ten-pin bowling alley, cafe, shops and a bar. A roller-skating rink would be built above the arcade.

However, nothing came of this project and, in 1999, a charity trust was created to aid the refurbishment by raising £15 million. However no progress was made here either.

In 2012, however, a project to rebuild the pier's main building was approved by councillors. After delays, due to costs in achieving good value for money and negotiations for land, the new £3 million pier was officially opened in October 2017.

The new structure includes a bowling alley, arcade machines and wraparound boardwalk. The pier decking extending over the sea remains. Visitors are not able to walk the entire length, which has been inaccessible since 1999, due to corrosion and rotten timber beams.

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