July 16, 2018

Clacton Pier is ready to unveil its exciting new £4 million development which will represent the dawn of a new era for the attraction.

The project – which has revamped the Pier as a 52-week a year venue to rival any of its kind in the Eastern Region – began last October.

Skull Point, an American-style adventure golf course, Discovery Bay adventure play area, the Galley family restaurant and Captain’s Table coffee shop as well as the first floor Dockside Dodgems will all open on Saturday (July 21).

Clacton Pier Managing Director Billy Ball said that the scheme has really taken the Pier to a new level of what it can offer.

“The new all-weather adventure golf really is for the kids right up to grandparents to have fun together and enjoy themselves as a family,” he said.

“Obviously the state-of the art adventure play area has been specifically designed for the children and will be a place where they can play in safety, meet new friends and just have a great time.

“The fact that this will be open all the year round will make it a regular venue whatever the weather with the convenience of tv screens and free wi-fi for parents as they wait for their children.”

The new development includes under floor heating, extensive lighting, landscaping and an art deco feel. The eastern wall of the building has been replaced with large glass panels giving an unbroken view out to sea.

Saturday’s opening event will be a celebration to which all are invited to join in.

There will be free live entertainment throughout the day with X-Factor’s Stevi Ritchie and Chico performing, along with Clacton’s own Tracey Moorehouse and a Reggae band in the evening. There will also be children’s entertainer James Magic and a face painter.

The official opening will take place at 12 noon with Stevi Ritchie and Chico performing between 12.30om and 2pm, followed by Tracey.

Circus Fantasia will be presenting two shows in the Jolly Roger at 2pm and 4.15pm to add to the variety of entertainment on offer.

A fireworks extravaganza has been planned for 9.30pm to round off the day.

“It will be the culmination of many years of planning the new development and we are looking forward to a day of making memories on Saturday,” added Mr Ball. “We hope that many people will come along to share them with us and make some great memories of their own.

“We are always keen to involve the community in all that we do on the Pier and this is a day for them as well as us.”