Anne Ackord has told the BBC that several “exciting” ideas have already been put forward by operators interested in purchasing Brighton Palace Pier, after the attraction was officially placed on the market this month.

The Brighton Pier Group CEO said more than 40 expressions of interest have been submitted by local, national and international leisure firms over the past week, proposing a range of new developments for the Grade II*-listed landmark.

“Most interested parties are very keen to continue using the pier in its current state and certainly appreciate its heritage,” Ackord told the BBC. “Though of course there would always be new developments and new ways of looking at things.”

“Everyone’s got lots of different ideas, some of which would be quite exciting. It’s early days.”

The pier was placed on the market by BPG following several “difficult” years of trading, which Ackord attributed to declining tourism and increased outgoings, with costs rising more than 50 percent since 2020.

Expressions of interest are being welcomed until the end of the month, “then it will come down to more serious contenders,” said Ackord. 

“We are, of course, pleased with the level of interest.”