Blackpool’s oldest pier is set for a major new chapter, after North Pier was sold to London-registered company Okken Limited, which has pledged £10 million to restore and reimagine the Grade II-listed landmark.
Opened on 21 May 1863, North Pier stretches around 1,410ft out from the shore and is built from a wooden deck over a cast-iron girder substructure. It’s home to the Joe Longthorne Theatre, an amusement arcade, a two-tier Victorian carousel, an electric train, and a range of cafes, takeaways and bars.
Under the new ownership, Okken has confirmed plans to refurbish the pier’s structure, improve the theatre, and add new media and event spaces along with a bar at the entrance. The current management team will remain in place, and all events and entertainment will continue as normal for the rest of the year, with further phases of investment expected to be announced in the coming months.
Paul Cooper from Okken said the goal was to “restore and bring the pier back to its very best” while introducing new experiences for visitors, describing the pier as a piece of living history and its care a privilege.
“Our commitment is simple: to invest, to restore, and to bring this wonderful pier back to its very best.”
North Pier is one of our most recognisable landmarks and a major draw for footfall along the Promenade – a significant investment here has the potential to benefit hospitality, retail and attractions across both the Town Centre and Tourism BID areas for years to come.