First proposed in 1870, work began in 1873 to a planned length of 2000 feet. However, during a storm in December 1874, the ‘Griffin’ and the ‘Corrymbus’ crashed through the unfinished structure and the high cost of repairs forced a reduction in the proposed length to 1800 feet.

It opened in 1875 and included two pavilions for band concerts and a roller skating rink. It was fairly successful but suffered frequent storm damage. When the Finnish barqu ‘Birger’ caused a 300 foot breach on 22md October 1898, the Coatham Pier Company demolished the isolated seaward section. The following year, the company failed and the rest of the pier deteriorated and was eventually sold for scrap.

The entrance kiosks and roller-skating pavilion survived but, in 1910, the pavilion was demolished and replaced by a glass shelter (the ‘Glasshouse’) which incorporated the kiosks. When, in 1928, it was converted into the ‘New Pavilion’, the kiosks were removed. The pavilion was rebuilt as the Regent Cinema in 1964

National Piers Society

Celebrating Seaside Piers

Coatham

Coatham

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