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This Grade II Listed Pier is one of only 14 remaining timber piers in the UK.
Many a new scuba diver has experienced their first sea dip or night dive beneath this iconic pier, and the pier itself is home to England's oldest dive school, 'Divers Down'. Now the future of Swanage Pier is in the balance. Following many years of adverse sea conditions and waterborne woodworm, 41 of the Greenheart timber piles are in critical condition.
In 2013 part of the pier was closed for many months following a storm. On 11th March strong winds and rough seas damaged the mid-section of Swanage Pier so badly it was near to collapse. Although initial repairs were undertaken, major conservation work now needs to take place to ensure the pier remains safe and accessible. The Swanage Pier Trust (a registered charity) has successfully secured a heritage lottery grant of £800,000 to cover restoration costs.
However, there is a catch. In order to release this grant Swanage Pier Trust must raise £900,000 in matched funding by November 2016. The trust has just launched a crowdfunding exercise. Donations can be made via this website. The Swanage Pier Trust are looking to raise £18,000 by 09:00 on 21st July 2016. At the time of writing £4,330 has been donated.