Brighton Palace Pier is now on the market for sale, with the current owner aiming to secure a buyer before summer. The renowned 127-year-old pier, a Grade II listed establishment inaugurated in May 1899, was acquired by Brighton Pier Group for £18 million in 2016.
Struggling with declining visitor numbers and escalating expenses, Brighton Pier Group, which operates various leisure sites and mini-golf venues, has decided to sell the iconic 1,722-foot long pier. In 2024, the company’s earnings dropped to £300,000 from £1.7 million the previous year, with a 4% decrease in like-for-like sales. To counter the decline in visitor numbers, the company implemented a £1 entry fee for non-residents in 2024, which was later increased to £2 in March the following year.
Anne Ackord, the chief executive of The Brighton Pier Group, highlighted the pier’s profitability, attracting nearly four million visitors annually. Ackord emphasized that the sale presents an opportunity to contribute to the future of this national treasure and shape its next chapter.
Potential buyers are urged to be ready to assume ownership by summer, though the exact sale price has not been disclosed, but it is anticipated to be in the “many millions.” The pier boasts two arcades, 19 funfair rides, a restaurant, two bars, kiosks, event space, and a children’s soft play area, making it an attractive investment for both UK and international purchasers.
Following subdued trading in 2025, Brighton Pier Group revealed its contemplation of selling the pier and is also seeking buyers for its Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire for £3 million. Ms. Ackord cautioned in March about the importance of not taking tourism for granted in Brighton, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure a prosperous future for the city. She noted the challenging trading environment in recent years, with overall costs escalating by approximately 50%.
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