Blackpool’s oldest pier has been sold, with the new owners promising a £10m investment to restore the attraction.
The Grade II-listed North Pier, which opened on 21 May 1863, has been bought by Okken Limited, a company registered in London.
It was put up for sale last summer by the Sedgwick family, which owns the town’s other two piers.
Okken said it would refurbish the structure, improve the theatre and create new media, event spaces and a bar at the entrance.
The Grade II listed North Pier opened on 21 May 1863 [Oliver Mills/Geograph]
The building, which predates the resort’s tower by 31 years, stretches about 1,410 ft (430m) out from the shore.
It was built from a wooden deck above a substructure of cast iron girders.
North Pier includes the Joe Longthorne Theatre, an amusement arcade, a two-tier Victorian carousel, electric train and a variety of cafes, takeaways and bars.
The town’s other two piers, the Central and South piers, were opened in 1868 and 1893 respectively.
‘Living history’
Okken said its plans were aimed at securing the pier’s long‑term future as a leading Blackpool attraction.
The current management team will stay in place, with all events and entertainment continuing as normal for the rest of the year.
Paul Cooper from Okken said the aim was to “restore and bring the pier back to its very best” while adding new experiences.
“North Pier is a piece of living history, and it is a privilege to take on its care,” he added.
“Our commitment is simple: to invest, to restore, and to bring this wonderful pier back to its very best.”
Okken said further phases of investment were expected to be announced in the coming months.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
