Clacton Pier today switched over to a new £75,000 transformer which will
meet its power supply needs well into the future.
The final work was completed this morning and the new system will be
more efficient and safer to run – replacing the original one from the 1930s
which had virtually reached the end of its natural life.
It had been expected that the Pier would need to be closed for up to
five days but the switchover was finished in just two.
The amusement arcade and bowling will be back open to the public from
tomorrow and all staff will be back on site as normal.
Pier Director Billy Ball said that it was an important project which
needed to be undertaken.
“Our electrical team has also taken advantage of the time to upgrade
smaller supplies around the 6.5acre site and the whole operation has gone very
smoothly,” he added.
“Demolition contractors are continuing to remove the top coating of the
Pier’s 1930s barrelled roof in preparation for that to be replaced and made
water tight.
“People will start to see the reinstallation of the roof coverings
beginning to take shape in the second week of February.
“This is all moving towards our million plus project to create a 52 week
a year undercover attraction which will bring new visitors into the area.”
Special generators were brought in to run the filtration and life
support systems for the Seaquarium; refrigerated vans and units used to store
supplies for the food outlets and temporary arrangements were made for the
navigational aids at the end of the structure used by boats.
All the rides will be back up and operating in time for February half
term.
Mr Ball said the Pier is now preparing for its recruitment day on Monday
(January 29) when more than 100 jobs will be up for grabs.
The event runs from 10am to 6pm in the Boardwalk at the front of the
site and those attending are asked to take along their CVs.