THE date has been set for the auction of Cleethorpes' iconic Pier – and it is expected to attract scores of property hunters.
Held at the historic venue itself, the auction led by Swindells Auctioneers and Consultants, will be on Saturday, February 2, from 6pm.
It promises to be quite a show as the auctioneers are inundated with interest from potential bidders and the public are welcome.
Auctioneer Edward Swindell said: "There is definitely going to be a buzz about the place and we hope to get a good cross section of people.
"The survival of this building is so important for the surrounding area. It has such a great potential; it just needs to be utilised in the right way."
With a guide price of £400,000, it is not the most expensive in Swindell's portfolio, but it is one of the quirkier, and Mr Swindell added: "It is one of the most unusual lots we have ever sold."
Owner Bryn Ilsley spent £200,000 refurbishing it after buying it in May 2010 but when leaseholders Alistair Clugston and Hugo Marfleet decided to close the venue, for unknown reasons, he decided to sell up.
The building appeared in the London Metro at the weekend – prompting interest from the Isle of Man and Sussex.
Auction manager Tina Waterfall believes it could make a perfect replacement Winter Gardens.
She said: "It should be the focal point in Cleethorpes for live entertainment. It has got character, history and if the right person buys it, this could be the turning point in its history. The only thing this building needs investment in is the owner's time.
"We want the auction to be jam-packed with people.
"It is a very exciting, quirky lot and we are proud to be assisting with the sale of it."
WHAT a great shame that no-one can seem to make a success of Cleethorpes Pier. Sadly there are too few such piers left in our seaside resorts. These structures are iconic, representing all that is a great about the British seaside resort. When we talk of historic buildings and houses in our country, these should certainly be included and should be protected and preserved for future generations. Surely various public and private organisations could get together and find a way forward. Of course that would depend on what happens and the up and coming auction. It may be that someone with vision and a desire to see this historic pier have a successful future decides to purchase it and reinvent it for the years ahead. Like the auctioneers selling it say in the paper – it could be the building that replaces what was lost when the Wintergardens was bulldozed. It needs time, a great idea and money. But with all three the perfect future could be found for a building that should certainly remain. *What you like to see happen to the Pier. Comment on this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk