Crowdfunding appeal launched for essential Swanage Pier repairs (watch video)

Published 10 years agoon July 12, 2016

A Crowdfunding initiative has been launched for UK divers’ favourite Swanage Pier in a bid to raise enough money to complete essential repair work.

Built in 1895, the iconic pier is one of just 14 remaining timber piers in the UK but parts of its frame are in a ‘critical condition’ and need urgent repairs and conservation work.

In 2013 part of the pier was closed for many months following a storm. On 11th March strong winds and rough seas damaged the mid-section of Swanage Pier so badly (pictured right) it was near to collapse. Although initial repairs were undertaken, major conservation work now needs to take place to ensure the pier remains safe and accessible.

The Swanage Pier Trust has now launched its ‘Save Swanage Pier’ project. The project has provisional support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, but the Swanage Pier Trust needs to raise a total of £900,000 in match funding before November 2016.

The Pier is currently visited by over 125,000 people each year and is an important attraction at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. It supports a range of leisure activities, including sailing, diving, fishing and strolling. A number of businesses are based on the Pier, including England’s oldest Dive School ‘Diver’s Down’.