The pier, known as the Pier Bandstand, was the subject of an architectural competition run under the supervision of the Royal Institute of British Architects. V.J.Venning’s design was chosen from twenty-six entries and the pier was subsequently built, opening on 25th May 1939 to a length of 200 feet.

On clear summer evenings, it was the ideal venue. However, with only 800 of the 2400 seats under cover, rain would inevitably cause the inadequate shelters along each side of the auditorium to become overcrowded.

In the 1970s, facilities included amusements, a restaurant and a gift shop. However, by the mid-1980s, the actual bandstand section had become too expensive to maintain and it was demolished in April/May 1986, leaving just the entrance on the esplanade.

In 2007 a redevelopment scheme was proposed for Weymouth seafront to be completed in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. It was envisaged that the scheme could include the restoration and extension the pier bandstand. The Art Deco exterior would be restored, and the upper floor extended out to sea, with new facilities provided on the ground floor.

However, in 2009, the South West Regional Development Agency’s (SWRDA) announced it was withdrawing the £6.6million it had pledged to the project, which now seems very uncertain.

December 2020 – The sad tale of the demolition of Weymouth’s Bandstand Pier
The pier was blown up during a stunt on May 4, 1986, organised by Weymouth’s leisure director Harvey Bailey. He turned the demolition into a Bank Holiday weekend attraction that brought in crowds of sightseers and photographers. Two Birmingham schoolgirls – Carol Firth, 14, and sister Susan, 11 – pushed the button to trigger the big bang after winning a national competition. Following the destruction there were rumours aplenty of the building being spotted rising majestically out of the water – an eerie sight allegedly captured on film by a local snapper.
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March 2022 – A wonderful look-back at Weymouth’s Bandstand Pier
Sadly, this glorious structure was demolished in 1986. Although the seaward end of the structure was blown up, the amusement arcade at the entrance lived on. It was later refurbished – the original 1930s art deco style was restored complete with a brand-new restaurant.
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February 2023 – New restaurant opens at Weymouth Bandstand pier
Oliveto offers ‘relaxed’ Italian dining with the best views of Weymouth beach. The new owners also own Manasseris, which is among Weymouth’s best restaurants and was awarded a converted Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor.
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National Piers Society

Celebrating Seaside Piers

Weymouth Pier Bandstand

Weymouth Pier Bandstand

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