There is little documented history of the origins of Weymouth Pier, though it is believed that a structure existed as early as 1812.[1]
The new pier
Costing £120,000 in 1933,[2] the pier was constructed in reinforced concrete, reaching a length of 400 metres (1,300 ft) and varying between 30 metres (100 ft) in width at the shoreward end and 12 metres (40 ft) at the seaward end.[3]
When built, the pier was divided into two halves. The southern side of the deck was reserved for commercial use, and was fitted out to load and unload cargo from harbour ships, including electric cranes, electrically operated capstans and two railway tracks. The pier was capable of handling one passenger vessel, three cargo vessels and two pleasure steamers simultaneously.
The northern side, fenced off from the industrial section, was a promenade area. This included shelters, a diving stage, changing rooms, and at night the whole promenade area would be illuminated, with views across Weymouth Bay and Nothe Fort.
Key dates
1840: Considerable change was made to the port area when a pile-pier, filled with a mixture of Portland stone and shingle concrete, was built on the northern edge of the harbour;
1860 Weymouth Pier was largely rebuilt in timber and at the same time, extended to a length of 273 metres (900 ft);
1877: A cargo stage was added;
1889: A landing stage and baggage handling hall were built;
2007–2011: Redevelopment of the entire peninsula was planned for the 2012 Olympic Games but apart from an observation tower (known as Jurassic Skyline) this did not take place.
^ abMunicipal Engineering; Sanitary Record and the Municipal Motor. Municipal Engineering Publications. 1933. p. 44. Retrieved 13 November 2024. ... Weymouth pier, which has cost approximately £120,000, by the Prince of Wales today (July 13th) is an event of considerable importance.
^The Surveyor & Municipal & County Engineer. St. Bride's Press. 1935. p. 81. Retrieved 13 November 2024. ... Weymouth Pier. The new pier is approximately a quarter of a mile in length, and follows very much the same line as ...