Portsmouth Victoria Pier

Pre-WW1 postcard of a paddle steamer at Victoria Pier

1986 image of the post-WW2 Victoria Pier in rough weather
Photos: �1986 Ian Boyle

2014 images of the post-WW2 Victoria Pier
Photos: � Ian Boyle, 1st July 2014

Southsea South Parade Pier

The pier was built between 1875 and 1878 to the design of G.Rale. It was opened in 1879 by Princess Saxe-Weimar. Initially, its main purpose was as a steamer jetty for Isle of Wight passengers.

In 1904, a serious fire resulted in a complete rebuild. The 'replacement' pier opened to a length of 600 feet in 1908. It had been designed by local architect G.E.Smith and cost £85,000. It had a concrete deck and windscreens protecting visitors on all sides. A spacious pavilion contained two halls: one housed a 1200 seat theatre, the other serving as a cafe during the day and a dance hall at night. At the seaward end, a similar pavilion incorporated a bar and lounge.

The theatre was damaged by fire in 1966 and was removed the following year. A further blaze in 1974 (during the filming of 'Tommy') badly affected the pier, which re-opened the following year after a £500,000 rebuild.

The large pavilion, less grand than previously, now houses showbars (one of which can hold 800) and amusements.

The history of the pier since 2010 has been complex and the pier was closed by the Council on 2012 due to it being unsafe. Efforts continue to restore and re-open the Ppier.


Ref: http://www.piers.org.uk/pierpages/NPSsouthseasouthparade.html

The original South Parade Pier, burnt down in 1904





The original South Parade Pier, burning down on 19th July 1904 with many people watching





Opening of the 'new' South Parade Pier on 12th August 1909





The 'new' South Parade Pier





The 'new' South Parade Pier with trams





The 'new' South Parade Pier with buses and cars





The 'new' South Parade Pier with steamers at the pier head





The 'new' South Parade Pier with illuminations

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