Brighton Palace Pier has been listed for sale by its current owner in hopes of securing a buyer before the summer season. The 127-year-old pier, a Grade II listed structure opened in 1899, was acquired by Brighton Pier Group for £18 million in 2016.
Brighton Pier Group, known for operating various leisure sites and mini-golf venues, is divesting the iconic 1,722ft long pier due to declining footfall and escalating operational expenses. Earnings dwindled to £300,000 in 2024 from £1.7 million in the previous year, with a 4% drop in like-for-like sales. Introducing a £1 entry fee for non-residents in 2024, later increased to £2 in March the following year, helped offset the decrease in visitors.
Over four million individuals visit Brighton Pier annually. Anne Ackord, the CEO of The Brighton Pier Group, emphasized the pier’s profitability and substantial potential for growth. Ackord views the sale as an opportunity for interested parties to participate in shaping the future of this renowned landmark.
According to reports from the BBC, potential buyers are expected to finalize the purchase by summer. While the selling price remains undisclosed, interested parties are advised to prepare for a substantial investment. The pier boasts two arcades, 19 amusement rides, a restaurant, two bars, kiosks, event spaces, and a children’s play area. The company anticipates interest from both domestic and international buyers.
In light of lackluster trading in 2025, Brighton Pier Group explored the sale of the pier and is also seeking buyers for its Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire for £3 million. Ackord’s recent warnings underscored the importance of tourism to Brighton’s economy, cautioning against complacency in the face of rising costs.
The introduction of the £2 entry fee at Brighton pier reflects the challenging trading conditions in recent years, marked by a 50% increase in overall costs. Interested parties can engage with Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for convenient access to relevant news content.
