In the scheme of things, at least compared to the disastrous repair schedule at Southport Pier, things are a bit brighter for Worthing Pier which opened after a two month closure due to damage caused by storms. It’s a relief for the genteel south coast resort – the pier is the jewel in the town’s tourism crown.  

Worthing Pier in West Sussex reopened on 4 December after being closed for two months due to storm damage. 

The 162-year-old pier was shut on 10 October when one of its underside supports was damaged, barring access to visitors and forcing the popular restaurant Perch on the Pier to lay off nearly half its staff. A temporary steel truss has been installed to stabilise the structure while Worthing Borough Council seeks a permanent solution. 

“We’re delighted to see the team back in the building and people back on the pier again,” said Alex Coombes, owner of Perch on the Pier. “Closing with 12 hours’ notice was always going to be a challenge. It was very difficult to work out what was going to come in next. Waiting on tenterhooks has been very difficult for the team and budget purposes, it has taken a toll.”

Coombes noted that the closure wiped out the restaurant’s profits for the year, but expressed optimism about rebuilding. He aims to rehire staff by spring to ensure a full roster. 

The council are also out of pocket. Repair costs are estimated at over £430,000, beyond the pier maintenance budget, but for now council leader Sophie Cox is just “absolutely delighted that the pier is back open again.”