Pier Bandstand, Weymouth

Coordinates: 50°37′02″N 2°27′02″W / 50.6172°N 2.4505°W

Pier Bandstand Weymouth is an Art Deco bandstand on the shore of Weymouth Bay in Dorset, England. Overall, 3,050 metric tons (3,000 long tons) of concrete, 180 metric tons (180 long tons) of steel, 9 kilometres (6 mi) of electrical conduit, 750 metres (2,500 ft) of neon tubing and 1,200 light bulbs were used during the course of construction.^[1]

Redevelopment

As part of the regeneration of Weymouth and Portland, it was decided in 2007 that Weymouth's Esplanade will be redeveloped in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. The scheme could include the restoration and extension of the pier bandstand. The exterior's Art Deco features and symmetry would be restored, the ground floor converted into a café, restaurant and toilet facilities, and the upper floor extended out to sea with a curved wooden deck.^[2] The area in front of the bandstand would be redesigned into a 1930s-styled square, as the northern gateway to Weymouth Esplanade.^[3][4]

Important dates

1930s

• 25 May 1939: The Pier Bandstand opened.^[1]

1970s–1980s

• 1970: the pier included amusements, gift shop and restaurant;
• 1985: the seaward end had become too costly to maintain;^[1]
• 1986: two schoolgirls won a national competition to 'press the button' to demolish the seaward end of the pier. Since then many reference books have called the pier "lost".^[1]

2000s

The main entrance on the shoreward end of the pier is home to an amusement centre, gift shop and Chinese restaurant.^[1]

See also

• The Esplanade (Weymouth)
• Weymouth Pier

References

1. "£30k is exactly the price paid to demolish the 'too costly to repair' pier in 1986". Dorset Echo. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
2. "Weymouth Seafront Strategy — Design Guidance" (PDF). Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
3. "Weymouth Esplanade: A Visionary Masterplan" (PDF). Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
4. "Weymouth Esplanade:Pier Bandstand Northern Gateway" (PDF). Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-03.