Following a “major investment” and a new partnership deal with BCP Council, Adventure Attractions has announced Bournemouth Pier is to be free to enter throughout 2025, with hopes the move could become permanent.

Bournemouth Pier operator Adventure Attractions has announced a “major investment” in the pier, which alongside a new deal with BCP Council will allow free entry to the attraction all year.

Though the measure is currently temporary, the company hopes that the potential increase in footfall and community engagement that arises from the initiative could allow it to be enacted permanently.

“In these challenging times, when many people have less disposable income, we believe the pier should be a place that everyone can enjoy,” said Adventure Attractions MD Sarah Hunter. “We’ve worked closely with BCP Council to make this happen and remove the toll charge, opening up the pier to locals for free throughout the year.”

“This is a major investment for us, but we hope that increased footfall and community support will allow us to continue developing pier operations. Our goal is to make free entry permanent, and we’ll be reviewing the results of this initiative with BCP Council throughout the season and at the end of the year to assess our options moving forward.”

Speaking on behalf of the local authority, councillor Richard Herrett said: “Bournemouth Pier is a well-loved and iconic attraction which has been welcoming visitors for almost 150 years.

“This move means it can be enjoyed by even more people and I’m looking forward to seeing residents and visitors making good use of it over the coming months.”

“This a great example of strong partnership working and I would like to thank everyone at Adventure Attractions and BCP Council for their work to make this happen.”