In 1861, The Ventnor Pier & Harbour Co. was formed. Early plans to build two piers forming an enclosed harbour were abandoned before work was completed.

The Ventnor Pier & Esplanade Co. was formed in 1870 and a new 478 foot pier was completed in 1873. A landing stage was added in 1881 but this was destroyed, along with 40 foot of pier-neck, by storms later the same year. A 650 foot, £12,000 replacement pier was opened on 19th July 1887. A £980 pavilion was added in 1906.

Steamer services ceased during World War One but resumed after 1918. The pier was sectioned in 1940 and, following a 1948 survey, was condemned. It was again rebuilt and the 683 foot ‘New Royal Victoria Pier’ (designed by Basil Phelps) opened on 28th May 1955. However, by 1981, £750,000 was needed for repairs. A fire further damaged the structure in 1985 and, in 1988, the council agreed to transfer ownership to Ventnor Town Trust.

South Wight Council promised £250,000 of the £800,000 needed, but the Trust could not generate the balance and the pier was demolished in 1992/3 at a cost of £239,500.

March 2023 – A look back at the lost piers of Ventnor
For 130 years a pier graced Ventnor seafront, but 2 were swept away, 1 was dismantled during the war and the last caught fire. The 1st Ventnor Pier was erected in 1863, followed by the 2nd Ventnor Pier in 1872, the Royal Victoria Pier in 1887 and the New Royal Victoria Pier in 1953. No trace of the former Ventnor piers remains today – the final 1 having been demolished some 30 years ago.
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