145yearold

SEASIDE lovers are in for a treat as an iconic pier is finally re-opening today.

The historic 145-year-old pier is back in business after a grueling six-month closure that left locals and tourists high and dry.

Hythe Pier, which stretches a whopping 700 yards into Southampton Water, has undergone a massive “deep clean” and vital electrical upgrades to make it ship-shape for the public.

And the best part is it’ll cost sun-seekers just £1 to take a stroll and soak up the stunning coastal views.

Local leaders are hailing the move as a massive “first step” in bringing the Hampshire town’s “beating heart” back to life.

The pier, which first opened its doors in 1881, was forced to shut last year due to safety concerns and infrastructure wobbles.

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But thanks to a band of dedicated volunteers and local businesses, the Grade II-listed structure is ready for action once again.

A spokesperson for the Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group previously said: “We could see how incredibly important it was that we bring our much-loved pier back to the community.

“Every £1 you spend goes back into the pier, supporting its future. Come and walk the full length, take in the views, and be part of this next chapter.”

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

While the walkway is officially open from 10am today, fans of the pier’s world-famous railway will have to wait a little longer.

Work is still ongoing to get the vintage carriages and the ferry service back on track, but bosses are “hopeful” the full service will be restored soon.

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade said: “It’s really good news that it has been opened so residents can go up and down the pier again.”

The pier’s reopening is a major shot in the arm for the quaint town, which relies on the landmark to draw in thousands of visitors every year.

A HISTORIC Hampshire pier is set to reopen to the public for the first time since its closure in 2024 after undergoing months of work.

Hythe Pier will reopen on Thursday, April 2 following major electrical improvements and a subtle revamp.

Under the management of Hythe Pier Companies, it will cost visitors £1 to walk along the pier, but children under five will be allowed on for free.

A spokesperson for the Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group said: “Every £1 you spend goes back into the pier, supporting its future as we begin our transition into a charity.

“Come and walk the full length of the pier (700 yards / 640 meters) take in the views, and be part of this next chapter.”

The attraction is the UK’s seventh-longest pier but has been shut for more than a year and has kept essential ferry services closed, disrupting life for locals.

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A crucial stopping point for the Hythe Ferry, which ran regular services to Southampton before the closure, the pier has been essential to the community.

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

Although the reopening is good news for tourists, the essential ferry and train services that once connected the village to Southampton are not yet back on track.

Local councillor Malcolm Wade explained that the pontoon, owned by ferry operator Red Funnel, has been broken for almost two years, leaving commuters, football fans and day trippers cut off.

“We’re waiting for Red Funnel to decide what they’re going to do, because they’ve already written to us to say they’re not interested in running the ferry anymore and we want our ferry back”, he said.

Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group said: “We could see how incredibly important it was that we bring our much-loved pier back to the community.

“This is hopefully the first step towards restoring the service.”