Victoria Pier, Colwyn Bay
of Colwyn Bay
1899 June 15th. Designed by Mangnall and Littlewoods of Manchester, construction by William Brown and Sons commenced. Many of the pier's components were pre-fabricated, and manufactured by the Widnes Iron Foundry.[1]
1900 June 01st. Opened. The pier was just 316 feet (96 m) long and 40 feet (12 m) wide, comprising a timber promenade deck with seating and railings along its length, and a 2,500 seat pavilion in the Moorish Revival style. The pavilion was set to the right of the deck, with a walkway allowing access to the pier-head to the left. The pavilion's main entrance was flanked on one side by a flower shop and, on the other, by a coffee lounge and cake shop. Inside, the pavilion had a large balcony which extended around three sides of the auditorium and a full orchestra pit. The pier however, has never featured a landing stage.
1903 The Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co decided to extend the neck to a length of 750 feet (230 m) to facilitate outdoor theatrical performances. The pier featured intricate cast iron balustrades, manufactured by the Widnes Iron Foundry.
1904 'Under specifications and plans prepared by Messrs Mangnall and Littlewoods, the eminent engineers of Manchester, a very important work of pier extension is now being carried on, and rapidly carried on.'[2]
1917 A 600-seat 'Bijou' theatre was built at the pier head
1922 The first pavilion building was completely destroyed by fire and rebuilt and opened again in July 1923
1933 May 16th. The second pavilion was destroyed by fire, followed, on 28 July 1933, by a fire that destroyed the Bijou Theatre. The third pavilion, designed by architect Stanley Davenport Adshead, was opened on Tuesday 8 May 1934 at a cost of £16,000, but the Bijou Theatre was never rebuilt.
1968 Ownership of the pier passed from the local council to Entam Leisure, a division of Trust House Forte
1994 August, marine engineer Mike Paxman bought the pier and stated he intended to restore it.
2008 Pier final closed
2018 Demolition completed