Competition launched to rename Clacton Pier's oldest building

by Nigel Brown May 09 2018 2     2,816
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April 5 , 2018

The owners of Clacton Pier are looking to come up with a new name for the first significant building to be put up on the landmark structure.

The Jolly Roger – or Pier Pavilion as it was known then – was built in1881 and later also went on to be called the Jollity.

A number of buildings and areas are being renamed as part of the Pier’s £4 million development project which is currently under way and it is now felt to be an appropriate time to rename the Jolly Roger.

A competition is being launched with a family annual pass for four people worth almost £200 as the prize for the winning entry. They will also be asked to attend the reopening ceremony at Whitsun.

Nigel Brown, Clacton Pier’s Communications Manager, said that the owners – Billy and Elliot Ball - are open to all suggestions.

“The building is very significant in the Pier’s overall history and was responsible for it becoming a true leisure pier, rather than just a working platform as it began its life under the control of the Woolwich Steam Packet Company,” he said.

“It is a very important structure and has some magnificent features inside. The idea is to come up with a name that really does the building justice.

“The aim in the longer term is for it to be revamped as a multi-use venue which will continue to be home to a circus but could also be used for business conferences, trade shows, concerts, a sporting venue for boxing, darts or snooker – or even weddings.”

Mr Brown added that the idea to rename it was originally put forward when the Jolly Roger came back into public use last Easter for the first time in around 30 years, becoming home to Circus Fantasia who are returning in May.

“As the Pier is very much a part of the Clacton and Tendring community it has been decided to hold a competition for people to put forward their own ideas for a name,” he said.

The closing date for entries is May 8 and suggestions should be emailed to info@clactonpier.co.uk or sent to Clacton Pier, No 1 The North Sea, CO15 1QX.


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