Clevedon Pier was built between 1867 & 1869 and was opened on the 29th March 1869. The Pier is recognized as being of exceptional architectural quality through its designation as a Grade 1 listed structure. In fact it is the only fully operational Grade 1 listed pier in the country. Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust manages the Pier and in 2015 undertook a re-development project on the pier to improve the visitor experience. This involved;
- Building a new visitor centre in which a new restaurant is situated and an observation deck on the top floor which has stunning views of the Severn Estuary and the Welsh Coast,
- The Pagoda at the seaward end of the Pier was upgraded to create an attractive ice-cream sundae bar,
- Improving the Toll House to provide a retail and ticketing area on the ground floor and an interpretive gallery on the first floor.
Co-operative Futures helped them to write a business plan with the target of doubling the visitor numbers in 5 years and launch a community share offer. The share offer raised over £250,000 from local people, this money was used as part of the funding package for the refurbishment the pier.
“The most beautiful pier in England” – Sir John Betjeman