Take a look back through the history of Blackpool's Central Pier

After a fire ravaged some of the buildings on Blackpool's famous Central Pier earlier this morning, (July 17) take a look back through its history.
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Central Pier in Blackpool has graced the shores of the resort and kept its residents entertained for over 150 years.

Work began on the Pier in 1867 by the Blackpool South Jetty Company, and was completed in 1868.

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Central Pier opened on May 30, 1868 as the South Pier, changing its name when the Victoria (now South) Pier opened.

Blackpool's Central Pier has long been one of the jewel's in the resort's crown.Blackpool's Central Pier has long been one of the jewel's in the resort's crown.
Blackpool's Central Pier has long been one of the jewel's in the resort's crown.

The original design of the Pier was 1,518ft long and included a 400ft long water jetty, but this was demolished in the 1970s and today's Pier stands at 1,118ft long.

It became known as 'the People’s Pier' due to it being popular with poorer visitors who stayed in central Blackpool.

The People’s Pier’ was renowned for its entertainment, particularly open-air dancing which was very popular before the Second World War.

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Firefighters tackle Central Pier fire
A workshop on Blackpool's Central Pier on Friday morning (July 17) after being severely damaged by fire. Photo: Gordon HeadA workshop on Blackpool's Central Pier on Friday morning (July 17) after being severely damaged by fire. Photo: Gordon Head
A workshop on Blackpool's Central Pier on Friday morning (July 17) after being severely damaged by fire. Photo: Gordon Head
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Most of the centre platform became an open-air theatre in 1949, and the Pier Head dancefloor became the New Theatre in 1967.

Dancing was moved indoors to the White Pavilion, which was built in 1903, until 1966 when it was demolished to make way for the Dixieland Palace/Golden Goose complex which opened in 1967.

This was damaged by fire in 1973 but was rebuilt. Today, this entrance building is home to an amusement arcade and a nightclub.

Another fire caused less extensive damage to the pier in 1982.

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In 1986, the theatre was modernised as part of a £400,000 scheme and became Maggie May’s.

The Pier's famous big wheel, standing at 108ft tall, was built in 1990, costing £750,000 and creating the iconic silhouette we seen on the Fylde coast today.

It was during this time that more facilities were added, including the dodgems, waltzers and fishing for permit holders.

What has happened at the Pier over the years?

July 2009 – Funfair closed while ride accident investigated

In July 2009, the funfair was closed for the day while health and safety officers inspected the Crazy Frog ride. One of the arms of the ride broke free and two visitors were injured.

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March 2015 – Blackpool Central and South Piers put up for sale.

In March 2015, Cuerden Leisure announced that they were selling Blackpool’s South and Central Piers and the Grade II listed pier at Llandudno Pier.

The three piers were put on the market for a collective price of £12.6million.

July 2015 – Blackpool’s South and Central Piers sold to Sedgwick family.

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In July 2015, Blackpool’s Central and South piers were sold the Sedgwick family, who had bought the town’s North Pier in 2011.

April 2017 – Blackpool Central Pier’s big wheel gets £500,000 refurbishment.

In April 2017 work started to rebuild the big wheel. It was dismantled as part of its regular maintenance.

October 2017 – Blackpool’s three piers were added to World Monuments Watch List.

May 2018 – Central Pier turns 150 years old.

Central Pier opened on May 30 1868.

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In 2018, the hottest May bank holiday on record, Blackpool's piers saw more visitors than ever. Peter Sedgwick, who owns all three of Blackpool’s piers, said: “All the piers were rammed and the feedback we had from people was fantastic.”

June 2018 – Blackpool’s Piers secure World Monuments grant.

It was announced that Blackpool’s three piers had been included on the American Express and World Monuments Fund, to support endangered global cultural heritage sites in a $1m (£748,000) series of grants.