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.
