Brighton Pier goes up for sale

Brighton's iconic seafront pier has been put up for sale for the first time in 25 years. 

Owner the Noble Group has put the Grade II listed structure, formerly known as the Palace Pier, on the market for an undisclosed guide price. It includes the entire issued share capital of the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier Company, which was established by Act of Parliament in 1888, to develop and operate the pier.

The Noble Group has owned Brighton Pier since 1984, and has invested £35m in the structure, making it the UK’s largest privately funded conservation project.

It is one of Britain’s most iconic seaside leisure attractions, which is open to the public throughout the year, seven days a week.  At peak season, it employs more than 300 people.

Facilities now include 18 themed attractions and rides on the Pier head, two amusement arcades together with numerous retail and entertainment outlets. Horatio’s and Victoria’s Bars and the recently refurbished Palm Court restaurant anchor the Pier’s bar, catering and corporate entertainment.

 David Biesterfield, Noble’s development director, said: "Brighton Pier is unique. It is a dynamic, modern business based on and sustaining our heritage.

"Over eight million visitors come to Brighton annually and its status, as 'London by the Sea', the resurgence of British tourism and the forthcoming Olympics represent an exciting opportunity for further increasing the number of visitors to the pier. We anticipate a great deal of interest in the sale of this world renowned asset.”

GVA Humberts Leisure is handling the sale of Brighton Pier.