Clacton Pier has landed a £50,000 Government grant
towards its plans to revamp its oldest building.
The
Pier applied for the money from the Coastal Revival Fund last year and has now
been informed that the bid for its Jolly Roger project has been successful.
The
funding is ring-fenced to survey the 126-year-old building’s structure, develop
a condition report, provide concept drawings, structural designs and help to
calculate budget costs for plans to carry out the refurbishment.
The
overall aim is to modernise the Jolly Roger while retaining its historical
features and be able to use it 52 weeks of the year.
The
venue could then be home to sporting and entertainment events, conferences, meetings
and weddings – as well as other community activities.
Pier
Director Billy Ball said that it is good news for the project and the funding
is the very first step towards getting the concept down on paper.
“We
have a lot of work to do but this money will enable us to speed up the design
process,” he added.
“It
will also help us to be ready to obtain the next stage funding to deliver and
complete the full programme of works.”
This
round of the Coastal Revival Fund is supporting projects to help revive
heritage assets that are important to local communities but have not yet
reached their full economic potential or are facing neglect.
It
also builds on the Government’s intention to deliver a landmark sector deal for
the UK tourism industry, which will attract more domestic and overseas
visitors, and help drive major economic growth.
The Jolly Roger was built in 1893 and has played
a significant part in the Pier’s history. It helped it to become a leisure pier;
rather than just a working platform as it began life under the control of its
first owners, the Woolwich Steam Packet Company.
The building was first known as the Pier
Pavilion, before being renamed the Jollity and then the Jolly Roger.
It was a popular entertainment venue for decades
but has been mainly used for storage over the past 30 years. In 2017 it became home
to a seasonal circus presented by Circus Fantasia and that is due to continue
again this year.
