Brighton Palace Pier, a celebrated landmark and popular tourist attraction, announced today the introduction of a £1 admission fee, a measure aimed at supporting the ongoing preservation of the 125-year-old structure. Set to commence on May 25th, the fee will apply only during peak trading periods in the summer months, specifically on weekends in June and throughout July and August. However, local residents holding a Brighton Palace Pier local residents card and children under two years old will be exempt from this fee.
The decision to implement the fee comes as part of efforts to manage the rising costs associated with maintaining the historic pier. Over the past five years, maintenance, repair, and operational costs have surged by 31%, an increase of £2.7 million, bringing the total annual expenditure to £11.6 million. “The admission fee will be critical in helping to meet the unique challenges and costs of preserving the Pier’s structural integrity and fabric as well as continuing to remain open all year-round,” stated a spokesperson from the Brighton Pier Group PLC.
Brighton Palace Pier, also known as the Queen of all Victorian piers, was established in 1889 and has since been a hub of activity offering a range of family and thrill rides, extensive arcade games, and a variety of dining and shopping options, blending traditional seaside entertainment with modern attractions.
Anne Ackord, CEO of Brighton Palace Pier, commented on the new policy, “We see ourselves as the custodians of the Pier. Many of our team, including myself, live and work in Brighton and we understand first-hand the importance of the Pier within our City. The costs associated with maintaining and operating it to the high levels of upkeep, strength, and structural integrity have increased significantly. We have been able to offset and absorb these costs until now, but we have reached the point where it is sensible to implement a small admission charge for visitors from outside the local area.”
Ackord added, “The admission fee will be an important contributor to ensuring that our iconic Pier is with us for generations to come.”
Residents of the BN postcode area can apply for a local residents card via the Brighton Palace Pier website to enjoy continued free access. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to preserving a vital part of its cultural heritage while ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
