An on-going programme of significant
investment is underway at Clacton Pier to improve facilities for both customers
and staff.
Bosses at the landmark attraction are
concentrating on areas of the site which have been left on the backburner while
recent major projects were carried out.
Work has begun on decorative theming
at the back of the log flume, new coin-operated battery cars and track for
younger children, as well as a £100,000 plus total refurbishment of the
ever-popular waltzer.
There will be improved accommodation
for the rides management and a training room, and the maintenance workshops are
being upgraded.
These schemes will continue
throughout the season and will be undertaken by both the in-house team and
outside contractors.
Pier director Billy Ball said that
the last four years had seen a substantial investment in the new indoor
attractions, such as soft play and adventure golf, as well as new rides like
the big wheel, roller coaster and log flume.
“It is now time to look at refining
some of the other parts of our attraction and upgrading the overall look of
what is a 150-year-old structure needing constant repair and maintenance,” he
added.
“This will up our offer to customers
– but also importantly benefit those who work for us and help make the pier
what it is today.”
The new cars and track will be sited
at the neck of the attraction and are due to arrive from Italy later this week.
The waltzer is more than 50 years old
having been built by Maxwells in Scotland, one of the most well-known and best
manufacturers.
The ride arrived at the pier in 1994,
having been bought from a park in Brighton and were originally housed inside.
“I was here when they arrived,”
recalls Mr Ball. “I was visiting the then owners and the waltzer has always
been a firm favourite. We moved them to the outside ride deck when we built the
soft play.”
The ride’s decorative panels are
being prepared in-house and then sent to London Art, a leading specialist firm
for hand-painting to the pier’s unique design. The likelihood is that the
refurbishment will continue all summer.
On Sunday (May 1) the pier stages its
second free firework extravaganza of the year starting around 9pm.
Ends
