Breakthrough

Return, a photo by davidrobertsphotography on Flickr.

After several years of deadlock, Conwy Councilllors voted today to move forward with the acquisition of the semi-derelict Colwyn Bay Pier.

This has to be good news for this beleaguered structure. The Plan is for the Council to grant a Lease to a local Community Group, who can work to both obtain grant funding for renovation work, whilst also carrying out smaller jobs themselves and reopening some of the pier's facilities to the public. I wish them the best of luck.

Dereliction

Dereliction, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

I snapped this shot of the side entrance to Colwyn Bay Pier at the weekend. Sad to see how the process of decay is accelerating.

I only hope that the Friends of the Pier are ready to hit the ground running if they are able to assume ownership of the Pier - I understand that Conwy Council will be holding a Meeting in June to decide whether they will buy the Pier and then pass it on to the Friends Group to run.

Colwyn Bay Pier once more....

Return, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

News has surfaced in the local press that Conwy Council may be preparing to buy Colwyn Bay Pier from the Receivers for £35,000 and then hand it over to the Pier Pressure Group to run.

Regardless of the rights or wrongs of the various parties surrounding the ownership issue, I'm delighted by this news, because it means that the deadlock may finally be broken. The Pier has become little more than a ball to be kicked around by people with various agendas, whilst the Pier itself decays a little more every day.

Let the Pier Pressure Group have it...and let them try to harness the local community to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in with both physical work and fund-raising. It's sink or swim time for them...and I wish them the best of luck.

Blue Skies

Blue Skies, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

Lovely day yesterday, a real feeling of Summer. I grabbed this shot of Colwyn Bay Pier with a fantastic sky above.

Don't Miss It!

A reminder that the second Meeting to discuss the future of Colwyn Bay Pier is tonight (Friday 26th March) at 6pm in St. Paul's Church, Colwyn Bay. I will be there.

Colwyn Bay Pier - Second Meeting

(Photo Credit)

Following the sell-out first public meeting to discuss the fate of Colwyn Bay Pier, local MP David Jones has announced a second meeting, to take place in the far larger St. Pauls Church:

Mr Jones said: “I now want to report back to the meeting on options for the future of the pier and also to suggest that a steering committee be formed to explore the possibility of establishing a charitable trust to take over the pier and seek to restore it. A number of people have already said that they would be willing to serve on the committee.”

It will be interesting to see how many people turn out for the second meeting and are willing to get involved.

The meeting will take place at St Paul’s Church on Abergele Road at 6pm on March 26

The People Have Spoken - Part II

I can't recall a time that an issue aroused as much interest locally as the fate of Colwyn Bay Pier. It's now speculated that as many as 500 people tried to attend the public meeting at the Town Hall, Colwyn Bay, last night (only about 200 were able to squeeze in) and the local blogosphere has been full of nothing else for the last few days. A Facebook Group that was only set up a couple of days ago now has 920 members - if you're on Facebook, please join and contribute to the discussions!

Update: The Facebook Group now has 1,023 members; please join and show your support if you haven't already done so.

Local Blogs worth a read:
David Jones, MP
Oscar
Cllr. Jason Weyman
Cllr. John Oddy
Carneades

Media Coverage:
BBC Wales Today (Video Clip)
BBC News Website
ITV Wales News (Video Clip)
Daily Post
North Wales Pioneer

Facebook Group:
Save Colwyn Bay Pier

Pier Website:
www.victoriapier.com

The People Have Spoken!

I was astonished (and thrilled) tonight at the number of people who turned up to the meeting to discuss the future of Colwyn Bay Pier at the Town Hall in Colwyn Bay. The large Council Chamber was packed to the brim (approx 150-200 people) and I'm told that there were another 200 people outside the building who were unable to gain entry.

David Jones MP chaired the meeting and made a good job of it, allowing a wide cross-section of views on the Pier's future from those in attendence. One thing was very apparent - there was very little support, practically none in fact, for any plan to demolish the pier - the consensus was that it should be restored and it had a large role to play in the revitalised Colwyn Bay waterfront. A Town Councillor even suggested that he would put forward a referendum amongst the Town Council voters to see if they would like the Town Council to take back the Pier into public ownership and pay for the cost of renovation. It was also apparent that there was a groundswell of local people both prepared to donate money towards a renovation project and also prepared to assist with the physical renovation work.

To my mind, a key question was what form the future ownership of the Pier should take. Time and time again, the issue of a Charitable Trust was brought up and the feedback from people standing around me was that they were somewhat uneasy at the thought of donating time, labour, money etc if the Pier remained in private hands. This is, to my mind, a very important (and understandable) point. No-one doubts Steve Hunt's commitment to the Pier but it is an issue which must be resolved for any restoration project to receive full public support.

The meeting concluded with David Jones MP summing up the current situation by saying that the ownership/bankruptcy dispute between the council and Mr Hunt etc needed to be resolved immediately and he would be insisting on a meeting with Conwy Council Chief Executive Byron Davies in which he would ask that the current impasse be broken and the legal wranglings resolved, so that the situation could move forward and the real issue of how the pier can be renovated etc can then be addressed.

Crunch Time for Colwyn Bay Pier

Crumbling Handrails on Victoria Pier, Colwyn Bay (Photo Credit)

I'm back in the online world (for a while, at least) and have been catching up with the goings on in the local area. I was interested to see that a Public Meeting to discuss the future of the Pier has been called for Friday the 22nd January 2010 at 6pm in the Town Hall, Colwyn Bay. I understand from Cllr. Oddy's blog that the meeting will be chaired by David Jones MP and will be a 'full and open debate about the Pier’s future'.

As it stands, the future for the pier is not looking terribly bright. It is in a very poor state of repair and I'm struggling to see where the money could come from to undertake a comprehensive renovation.

Let's look at it more closely ....

Pier Structure - Most, if not all, of the piles are perfectly sound. Many of the tie-bars and struts that 'lock' the piles together are damaged or missing. The iron girders that rest on the piles and support the decking and buildings are in varying states of repair - whilst the ones underneath the shoreward building are fairly sound, the outer ones underneath the main Pavilion building are in a very poor state, the inner ones not so bad. The girders on the newer section of pier neck (from the buildings to the pier head) are in fairly good condition.

Deck Level & Handrails - The decking around the shoreward building is in a fair state of repair. The decking around the Pavilion building requires some repair/replacement of planking. The decking on the section of pier from the buildings to the pier head is all in need of replacement. The cast iron decorative handrails are, themselves, in fairly good condition but the wooden supports they are attached are badly rotted in places (see above photo) and will require extensive replacement.

Shoreward Building - This building was renovated internally by the current owner and comprises a former Fishing Tackle Shop, Amusements, Cafe & Bar. The main current concerns with this building are roof leaks and the exterior appearance - it requires a complete repaint and tidying up/removal of the various additions/alterations over the years to give a more pleasing appearance.

Shoreward Building (Photo Credit)

Main Pavilion Building - a good friend of mine is fond of describing this building as looking like a 'shanty town at sea'. It's not hard to see why; it is in an appalling state of repair externally and would require extensive work to make it look acceptable again. Internally, it is far better looking but, again, requires extensive work.

Main Pavilion Building (Photo Credit)

My Conclusion - Hmmm...it's a tough one. Who in the private sector would want to throw millions at renovating the entire pier when it is extremely unlikely that the profits earned would repay their investment? A parallel can be drawn with Hastings Pier - the brother/sister that own the Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare were recently asked to look at Hastings Pier with a view to buying it and restoring it. Their view was that it was not economically feasible to do so, given its state of repair (which is similar to Colwyn Bay Pier).

Therefore, I feel the only realistic option may be to concentrate scarce resources on reopening the section of pier that houses the two buildings (the original 1900 structure) and effectively abandoning the rest of it unless the funding can be found at some point in the future. Given that a commercial partner with money to invest has not materialised in the last few years, it seems unlikely that one will appear now.

It may therefore be that the only choice is for the Owner to either hand the pier over to a charitable trust or let it fall into the sea.

The original Victoria Pier in 1900

Pier Pressure...or lack of it!

Stormy times for Colwyn Bay Pier (Photo Credit)

The revelation on Councillor John Oddy's blog that a certain County/Town Councillor seems to be doing his utmost to prevent any movement forward with the renovation/reopening of Colwyn Bay Pier seems, on the face of it, bizarre.

Councillor Chris Hughes, who represents the Glyn Ward in Colwyn Bay (one of the most deprived in Wales, as a matter of interest) is Chairman of the Friends of Colwyn Bay Pier Group. Given this fact, you'd have thought he would be constantly working to break the current impasse with the Pier, maybe even using his influence at County Council level to negotiate a way of resolving the problems? By way of comparison, see how much work the Friends of Hastings Pier down in the South of England are doing to try and save their pier. Their website is here.

But, in Colwyn Bay...nope, sorry, you're out of luck. No meetings of the Friends Group have been held for three years and when the Secretary/Treasurer, a Mrs Pat Jackson, organised a meeting herself, who turned up to close the meeting down but Councillor Hughes, who said that the meeting was 'unconstitutional'. He also allegedly said that only he had the power to call meetings and, to put the icing on the cake, refused to resign as Chairman of the Group!

This leads me to ask the question....what are his motives? Why is he apparently trying so hard to prevent the Friends of Colwyn Bay Pier Group actually mobilising public support to do something about the current state of the Pier?

Wherever his interests lie, it would appear that they are sadly not with the people of Colwyn Bay...

Decline & Fall

These three unique photos, kindly provided by Mr Mike Owen*, illustrate all too clearly the parlous state into which Colwyn Bay Pier has fallen since its closure over a year ago:

It is clear that time is running out for the pier; soon, the maintenance backlog will have reached such a level that renovation will become totally uneconomic. Conwy Council's lack of interest in resolving this matter is very disappointing, particularly when you consider that they will ultimately end up liable for the cost of demolition and removal of the derelict structure - a procedure certain to cost several million pounds.

There is also a significant safety issue developing - several areas of the pier are in danger of collapse, yet the public are free to walk on the beach close to and actually underneath the pier without there being any warning notices or safety fencing. Action needs to be taken.

* Mr. Owen operates http://www.birdseyeviewofwales.co.uk/ , a ground based aerial photographic business which involves using a pneumatically powered mast with a camera attached, on a platform, at the top. The mast rises to a height of sixty feet, the camera can be rotated in any direction and the camera functions are all controlled from a laptop on the ground.His rates are very reasonable and he can be contacted on either 07990 517 020 or by email at viewofwales@aol.com

Sun, Sea, Sand...and a Rusty Pier

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3792865624/

What a beautiful day it was today here in Colwyn Bay, the skies were deep blue, the sands were golden and the sea was, well, clean looking. The crowds were out in force and the kiosks along the Prom were doing great business, in spite of the prom looking tattier than ever.

Imagine how popular Colwyn Bay could become again with a renovated promenade and pier - some children's rides and attractions, some revamped kiosks with toilets attached, a decent cafe, a bar and family amusements on the pier, together with the art exhibitions in the Pier Pavilion which were so successful in the last couple of years.

Let's hope that the grant-funded improvements planned for the Promenade are the catalyst for further private sector investment and a real revival in Colwyn Bay's seaside fortunes.

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi*: Colwyn Bay Pier

Nearly 40 years separate these two photos of Colwyn Bay Pier....

The top one, taken in the early 1970s, shows a bustling pier with Golden Goose Entertainments (Admission Free!), Dixieland Palace Showbar with Cabaret & Dancing, The Lincoln Suite (whatever that is?) and Golden Fry Restaurant.

Today's photo shows a closed and shuttered pier. A cheap looking extension was built onto the front of the Golden Goose sometime in the 1980s, with the Golden Goose itself becoming a combined amusements/cafe/bar area. The Dixieland Showbar (later CJs) and Golden Fry Restaurant both closed in the late 1980s and the pavilion building (to the right) they were housed in is falling further into decay. Even the ornamental turrets have gone from the roof towers! The pier's owner, Steve Hunt, was made bankrupt in 2008 by Conwy County Borough Council in a spat over unpaid rates and the pier has remained closed ever since.

Steve Hunt has recently expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the pier:
Colwyn Bay Pier 'is dangerous'

* - 'So passes the glory of the world'

High Tide! (March 28th 2009)

March 28th saw the biggest tide of the year so far at Colwyn Bay:


www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3392568262/


www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3391625015/


www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3392447200/


...4.static.flickr.com/3581/3392447200_4342b71058.jpg


www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3391711785/

What if?

What if....the A55 motorway had not been built along the seafront but the alternative route over the hills above Colwyn Bay had been used? Could Colwyn Bay have survived as a seaside resort or, at least, coped better with the downturn in its fortunes?

Or is Colwyn Bay's decline due more to the gradual loss of control over its fortunes and subsequent decline in civic pride since the scrapping of Colwyn Bay Borough Council back in 1974?

Take a look at the 'Then & Now' shot of the Pier below. How things have changed!!!!


Nearly 40 years separate these two photos of Colwyn Bay Pier.

The top one, taken in the early 1970s, shows a bustling pier with Golden Goose Entertainments (Admission Free!), Dixieland Palace Showbar with Cabaret & Dancing, The Lincoln Suite (whatever that is?) and Golden Fry Restaurant.

Today's pic shows a closed and shuttered pier. A cheap looking extension was built onto the front of the Golden Goose sometime in the 1980s, with the Golden Goose itself becoming a combined amusements/cafe/bar area. The Dixieland Showbar (later CJs) and Golden Fry Restaurant both closed in the late 1980s and the pavilion building (to the right) they were housed in is falling further into decay. Even the ornamental turrets have gone from the roof towers!

From the Daily Post, July 24, 2009:
Link to Article

Colwyn Bay Pier 'is dangerous'

A DERELICT pier is a danger to those who use the beach below warns the man who has dedicated the last six of seven years trying to restore the Victorian structure.

A year after being declared bankrupt, Steve Hunt, the former owner of Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier says tons of unstable steelwork could collapse at any time and crush anyone walking underneath.

The pier has stood untouched for 12 months.

It is currently being managed by a Manchester-based creditor, who Steve says need to keep up with the general maintenance or face a possible tragedy.

“The worry is, you can see the rot there, these big heavy railings, if one of those was to fall off it doesn’t bare thinking about what could happen,” said Steve.

“These are the jobs we tended to but are not being done. Although technically speaking it is not my problem, it is still a worry to me. I don’t want to see anybody hurt or the pier falling down.”

Steve still lives in a flat on the structure despite the pier now being the responsibility of trustees, Royce Peeling Green (RPG). The company are managing the site after he was declared bankrupt in July 2008. There is an ongoing legal dispute relating to business rates between Conwy County Council and Steve who is seeking to have the bankruptcy annulled.

Leaks in the roof are causing havoc with the building’s interior, while the decking is rotting.

Before the pier closed last summer the pier had four shops operating and a newly refurbished bar.

Steve fears that if another year goes by without RPG stepping in to maintain the pier it could be ruined the elements, causing Colwyn Bay to lose one of its most important landmarks.

Already Steve says the damage sustained in the last 12 months from rot, damp and leaks runs into tens of thousands of pounds.

“It is falling to bits, the pier has stood for a year with zero maintenance. If there is a hole in the roof, if there is a board with a hole which needs replacing, all these jobs are not being done,” he said.

“Technically RPG, they are the legal owners, it is a grade two listed building and they have a duty to look after it. They are neglecting their duty.”

A spokesman for Royce Peeling Green declined to comment.

My view.....

Steve Hunt is certainly correct, certain parts of the pier do require immediate attention. In several areas, the wooden supports of the cast iron balustrade have rotted away, leaving the the balsutrade hanging in mid air:

Although it's a sturdy structure (even in decay), there is definitely a real danger that a collapse could occur at some point. I hope that Royce Peeling Green (currently managing the pier as trustees in bankruptcy) will take the necessary action quickly to secure the structure. In addition, the long-term future of the pier needs to be decided urgently or demolition may be the only option. Given the costs of demolition could be in the region of £2m, doesn't it make a lot more sense to spend that sort of money on renovating the pier, creating attractions for visitors and jobs for local people?

Civic Society unveils radical plans for Colwyn Bay

From the North Wales Pioneer:
Link to article

A CIVIC society has revealed “inspirational” plans to make Colwyn Bay “pleasant, greener and more pedestrian friendly”.

The radical plans involve landscaping a green-space piazza on the station carpark and demolishing the Victoria Pier in favour of a circular restaurant.

Members of the Colwyn Bay Civic Society, which works to preserve the heritage of the town, branded Station Square “dreary and uninspiring” and suggested Conwy county councillors should use regeneration funding to create an attractive public space.

The society's document, which was shown to councillors, admits that the plans are “radical” but argues they will be “inspirational”.

The group would like to see the main road re-routed so it passes the station entrance, and the piazza created by reclaiming land currently used by taxis and a disused taxi booking cabin.



Members have suggested that all taxis and private parking in the area could be designated to a long stay section just west of the station, with the move making Colwyn Bay “a pleasant, greener and more pedestrian friendly area” for visitors coming to the town by train.

A spokesman for the society said: “The whole area could then be the subject of an ambitious green project with trees, shrubs, bedding, attractive lighting, new paving and seating - without traffic passing through it.”


The extreme proposal of demolishing the pier is also suggested in the document, with group members believing a circular, “high class” restaurant in its place would be an appealing addition to the waterfront, as well as an ideal development to open up the coastline to beach-goers and watersport enthusiasts.



Other plans for Colwyn Bay in the report include returning Colwyn Bay’s twice weekly market to Sea View Road to allow constant use of Station Road to vehicles with legitimate access.

Town councillor Glyn Jones supported the group's ideas. He said: “I think the piazza is a good idea. It is good that the Civic Society has taken time to prepare ideas. They will be put forward to the council. I would like to see the pier demolished, but I think it will be a debate that will go on for a long time.”

My view...

Some good ideas! At last some plans with a bit of imagination behind them, instead of just the dreary expanse of grey granite on both Sea View and Station Roads. I'm fully in favour of introducing more green landscaping to the Station Square area - there should be lawns, shrubs, flowers everywhere - it looks far too harsh and urban at the moment.

Not sure about demolishing the pier; Id rather see it renovated, maybe shortened back to its original 1900 size (see pic below) and the restaurant built on the existing structure.


What do you think?