Palace Pier sold

[Thunder Bolt]

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/1441...ghton_sold_off_in___18_million_takeover_deal/

One of the county's most iconic structures has been bought in a multi-million pound deal.

Eclectic Bar Group, chaired by Luke Johnson, has entered a conditional agreement to buy Palace Pier for £18m.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

For some reason, the current owners have never been held in great affection by the people of Brighton.

 

[Official Old Man]

I truly believe that at £18 million it is a bargain.
8 million visitors a year, it cant be that hard to make a profit from these people.

 

[Triggaaar]

For some reason, the current owners have never been held in great affection by the people of Brighton.

Maybe it's because they burned down the West Pier.

 

[Eeyore]

More offshore investments.

 

[Marty___Mcfly]

It could do with an upgrade- pull out the funfair and cram it full of bars, restaurants and street food, live venues for music etc.

That place could really make some money- everything on there at the moment is stuck in about 1993.

 

[JC Footy Genius]

New owners ... new name, Albion Pier?

 

[gregbrighton]

It could do with an upgrade- pull out the funfair and cram it full of bars, restaurants and street food, live venues for music etc.

That place could really make some money- everything on there at the moment is stuck in about 1993.

Surely there are enough bars and restaurants in the city already?

 

[Notters]

It could do with an upgrade- pull out the funfair and cram it full of bars, restaurants and street food, live venues for music etc.

That place could really make some money- everything on there at the moment is stuck in about 1993.

Like the sound of this. At least partially - I think there's room for both.

Or, as Falmer's getting to small for us, how about a stadium on the end?

They could also make a start by replacing the signs that say "Brighton Pier" with ones that say "Palace Pier.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

When did the name change happen? I've never called it anything other than the palace pier and for the life of me can't remember when they changed it. Anyone know?

 

[Postman Pat]

Maybe it's because they burned down the West Pier.

(Allegedly).....

 

[Eeyore]

Like the sound of this. At least partially - I think there's room for both.

Or, as Falmer's getting to small for us, how about a stadium on the end?

They could also make a start by replacing the signs that say "Brighton Pier" with ones that say "Palace Pier.

I agree. But we can't have the name changed back if we're going to move the stadium there...

 

[Eeyore]

When did the name change happen? I've never called it anything other than the palace pier and for the life of me can't remember when they changed it. Anyone know?

2000

 

[Triggaaar]

(Allegedly).....

Well of course, that goes without saying, surely? Sorry, I assume no one thought I was accusing anyone of anything.

It's very possible that the team of experts in a boat with an arsenal of pyrotechnics were just a bunch of kids who were bored one night.

 

[chimneys]

The Sunday Times article from 2012 on the Noble Organisation:

The secretive leisure chain that runs Angus Steakhouse, Brighton Pier and Blackpool's Coral Island has paid £109,000,000 dividend to an offshore company owned by the founder's son.

Noble Organisation paid the dividend to a Gibraltar company called Red Poppy in two instalments last March according to accounts. Red Poppy is controlled by Phillip Noble son of Willian Noble, a travelling showman from South Tyneside who started buying bingo halls, casinos and nightclubs in the '60's.

The dividend was paid even though the UK company recorded a pre-tax loss of £5,700,000.

Noble Leisure runs a nationwide leisure empire including Kwik Tan salons and Sun Valley arcardes.

William Noble died in 1981 leaving the firm to his sons Michael & Philip. Michael died from cancer in 2006.

The family has campaigned fiercely against developments that threaten it's interests including plans to restore the rival West Brighton pier, until it was destroyed by fire in 2003.

It also fought Blackpool's bid for a Super Casino that could've affected Coral Island and has challenged Rank's plans for a leisure centre in Kent.

David Biesterfield, Legal Director said "we're a private group.... and that means we don't discuss our affairs with the press."

 

[DavidRyder]

I'm assuming, maybe wrongly, that some if not all of the structures would be listed on the Pier? If so, I'm not sure how easy it would be to give it a 2016 makeover. But I love it as it is.

 

[Surf's Up]

Maybe it's because they burned down the West Pier.

er....allegedly!!!

 

[Triggaaar]

er....allegedly!!!

Yes of course, I meant to add that. I can't edit it now, but yes, it is just something that's been alleged, obviously.

 

[chimneys]

Yes of course, I meant to add that. I can't edit it now, but yes, it is just something that's been alleged, obviously.

To be on the safe side, maybe best if the Mods delete the comment?

 

[Carrot Cruncher]

I truly believe that at £18 million it is a bargain.
8 million visitors a year, it cant be that hard to make a profit from these people.

Maybe it was a firesale...