Bognor Regis Pier

About

Bognor Regis Pier is a pier located in the seaside resort of Bognor Regis, West Sussex. The pier opened on 5 May 1865 to the design of Sir Charles Fox and J. W. Wilson. Initially constructed with a length of 1000 ft (305m), it now stands at 350 ft (107m). The pier is Grade II listed. The pier continued to be developed after opening, with a pavilion being built in 1900. A seaward was also built around this time. During World War II the pier became a Royal Navy observation station, named HMS St Barbara. In 1964 and 1965, storm damage destroyed the pavilion. A series of fires in 1974 led to the pier being closed. In 1989, Bognor Regis Pier was awarded a Grade II listing status by English Heritage. Despite this, the condition of the pier continued to decline, and in 1994 an application was made to demolish the structure's remaining seaward end.

The International Bognor Birdman is an annual competition for human-powered 'flying' machines held each summer in Bognor Regis. Contestants launch themselves from the end of the pier, a prize being awarded to the one who glides the furthest distance. Rarely taken completely seriously, the event provides competitors with an opportunity to construct...