THERE are "massive plans" in store for Cleethorpes Pier, which has been sold for a price in excess of £400,000.
The buyers are thought to be a venture partnership from London, who have big plans for the resort landmark, according to previous owner Bryn Ilsley.
When Mr Ilsley spoke to the Grimsby Telegraph last night, he revealed he was still going through the fine print of the contract.
However, at the time of going to press, he was unable to confirm what the pair had in store.
But he was keen to reiterate his pledge to ensure the venue went into "safe hands", adding: "I was not going to let it go willy-nilly.
"I spent a lot of money, time and effort on it so I want it to go to the right person."
As reported, the former nightclub failed to sell when it was originally auctioned last month.
Despite national interest and six internet bidders registering their interest, the highest bid for the iconic venue was just £390,000 – failing to reach the guide price of £400,000. Potential buyers were then given 28 days to make bids.
He said: "It feels good. It's all gone through very well.
"Since the auction we have had quite a few people bidding on it, but I didn't want to push it too far, so I put a cap-off date on it the other week and had to say 'this is the one'.
"What I can say is that people will be happy with what the new owners want to do with it."
Speaking last night, after 48 hours of tense final negotiations, Tina Waterfall, the auction manager for Swindells' Auctioneers, said the sale was due to complete on Tuesday, April 30.
She said: "We believe the pier has a great future in the hands of its new venture partnership owners, who take position on April 30, the day of completion.
"This is the buyer that I think will be phenomenally good for Cleethorpes and the future of the pier.
"We are very happy with the purchaser. It is looking like it will be the start of a very, very exciting time for Cleethorpes.
"It looks like it will be in secure hands."
