Brighton Palace Pier is now on the market for sale as the current owner aims to secure a buyer before summer arrives. The renowned 127-year-old pier, a Grade II listed structure inaugurated in May 1899, was acquired by Brighton Pier Group for £18 million in 2016.
Facing challenges such as declining visitor numbers and escalating expenses, Brighton Pier Group, which also manages various leisure facilities and mini-golf courses, has decided to sell the iconic 1,722-foot-long pier. Earnings dipped to £300,000 in 2024 from £1.7 million the preceding year, with a 4% decrease in like-for-like sales. In response, the company implemented a £1 entry fee for non-residents in 2024, later raised to £2 in March the following year, to mitigate the decline in visitor numbers.
With nearly four million annual visitors, Brighton Pier remains a popular destination. Anne Ackord, CEO of The Brighton Pier Group, emphasized the profitability and growth potential of Brighton Palace Pier, inviting interested parties to partake in shaping its future.
According to reports from the BBC, potential buyers are encouraged to finalize transactions by summer, although the exact selling price has not been disclosed, it is expected to be in the multimillion-pound range. The pier boasts two arcades, 19 amusement rides, a restaurant, two bars, kiosks, event spaces, and a children’s play area, making it an attractive investment opportunity for both local and international buyers.
In light of subdued trading in 2025, Brighton Pier Group announced its contemplation of selling the pier and Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire for £3 million. Ackord stressed the importance of tourism to Brighton’s economy, cautioning against complacency and urging collective action to secure a prosperous future.
Acknowledging the challenging financial landscape, Ackord referenced the increase in operating costs by approximately 50%, highlighting the need for strategic decision-making to ensure sustainability in the face of economic pressures.