In the 20th year of the award, Worthing lost out only to Cleethorpes but saw off competition from 17 other piers across the UK, who all received votes from the members of the National Piers Society.
Worthing Pier has been no stranger to this award, also being runner up in 2015 and last crowned Pier Of The Year in 2006. The accolade reflects hard work from teams at both the Southern Pavilion and Worthing Borough Council over the past year.
The National Piers Society praised the Southern Pavilion for their efforts bringing it back into use, whilst their refurbishment fitted the art deco style of the pier and the evening events programme is proving very popular. The Council were also commended for their continued care and attention to the pier’s structure, which has seen further re-decking carried out.
Cllr Bryan Turner, Executive Member for Regeneration at Worthing Borough Council, commented:
“This is great news for Worthing, to have our iconic pier commended by a national organisation in competition with other seaside towns across the country. Developing our seafront offer is key to the regeneration of Worthing, the visitor economy and helps to support local businesses.
“To be runner up for a second year in a row highlights the work that has gone into maintaining and improving the high standard of our pier, which we can all be proud of.”
Phil Duckett, Manager of Southern Pavilion, commented:
“We are thrilled to be chosen once again as the runner up, for the second year in succession, in the National Piers Society Awards. We feel with all the hard work that everyone has put into the pier so far as well as plans for the future the best is yet to come, so roll on next year.”