A vital project to improve facilities
for staff and customers on Clacton Pier is continuing at pace.
The £150,000 scheme, which involves
building new accommodation for employees at the back of the Log Flume, began at
the start of the season and is planned to be completed in the Autumn.
It involves offices for rides
management and a training room, as well as upgraded workshops for maintenance
crews.
This will in turn free up two
buildings at the landmark attraction which can then be brought back in use for
visitors in the longer term.
These are the former RNLI boathouse
on the east side of the pier and the Jolly Roger, the structure’s first proper
building which dates back to 1893. Both are currently used to work on maintaining
rides and the infrastructure.
Pier director Billy Ball said that
contractors are working flat out on the project and are making excellent
progress.
“Visitors have seen the work taking
place and have asked if it is another attraction being built – such as a ghost
train,” he added.
“It is a significant structure which
involves an expansion of the team’s workshops to further support the Log Flume
and other rides on the pier along with much-needed extra office accommodation.
“It has also been strategically
placed to free up buildings which we are planning to put to other uses and add
to what we can offer our customers in the long run.”
Mr Ball said the intention is to have
the new building dressed up to look like an American sawmill come dockside
scene.
“This programme of work is all part
of the on-going investment in the pier, its rides and attractions.”
Part of this a £100,000 plus refurbishment
of the Waltzer which is due to return later this year.
On Saturday at around 9.30pm the pier
will stage the third of its free firework displays in the school summer
holidays to thanks customers for their support throughout the year.
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