At 3:15pm on Wednesday 30th July 2014, a most beautiful summers day in Eastbourne, no one could have have predicted what was about to happen. The beaches and promenades were full with holiday makers and visitors … a normal high summers day in the idyllic setting that Eastbourne is. Suddenly the first plumes of smoke could be seen from our iconic Victorian landmark … The Pier!
To the shock of the on-watchers, this monumental building was on fire and the flames were moving fast across the roof of the arcade area at the front of the pier. Thanks to the amazing work and prompt response of the Eastbourne Fire Brigade, this was soon under control and no one was harmed.
Amazingly, within just 5 days of this horrible event, a full team of qualified tradesmen and technicians were already hard at work onsite to prepare a detailed plan of action … And within 2 days the Prime Minister, David Cameron had donned his hard hat and was surveying the scene ... Already you could tell everyone was working together for the common cause of 'Saving our Pier'.
Understandably, the Pier was a 'no go' area for all public and pier workers alike, but a heart warming story emerged when the local council offered makeshift temporary shops on the top promenade to all pier traders so they could continue their business until it was safe to return to the Pier.
So, that's the brief background which has also been well documented in the press. My question was … 'How is it all coming along now'? I wondered who wass the best person to speak to?... Obvious really - Christos Stylianou, General Manager of Eastbourne Pier.
Phase One was completed on time by the 27th September 2014. This gave the public some access to the pier in the form of a viewing area through view holes into the damaged area. All quite spooky looking actually looking through what was the flooring down to the sea below. Phase Two was to test the steel left, replace and strengthen where necessary and to deck the entire area. Phase Three, and my personal favourite which is due to open in about 3-4 weeks (end of May 2015) for the start of the summer season are the attractions!
Some of the attractions being discussed follow a wonderfully traditional Victorian theme, in keeping with the structure itself, such as a Victorian Helter Skelter, Dodgems and Waltzers ... all sounds very exciting and will sit very nicely along side the Fish and Chips, Ice Creams and Seaside fare you expect to see at the end of the pier!
Asked when the project will be completely finished, understandably Christos was a little cautious and thought it slightly too early to speculate. That's OK we have at a least a bit of our pier back already, well ahead of the one year anniversary.
As a hotel in the town, we know like all our fellow traders, the importance of this lovely structure as a place of fun for locals and visitors alike... we for one will be cheering loudly when the rides are installed and maybe a staff outing down the seafront will be in order!
And so just left to be said … Eastbourne Pier is well and truely open for business as usual … Hooray! …