'What a venue!' Historic pier reopens to public

Rochester Pier has opened to the public for the first time since 2019

A Kent town's pier has been opened to the public for the first time in five years after its closure for safety reasons.

The upper viewing platform of Rochester Pier opened its gates on Monday following repairs.

The pier closed entirely in 2019 after inspectors declared it unsafe. Part of its lower section had collapsed into the river.

Kristian Hansen, from Friends of Rochester Churchfields and Esplanade, who worked with Medway Council on the reopening, described the structure as "iconic".

Caroline Petley and Paul Barker were the first members of the public onto the pier.

He said: We want to get people back out into the river looking over to the bridge and the landscape.”

Rochester Pier was originally built in the 1880s and has been an important river access point for small boats and passenger tours.

Caroline Petley and Paul Barker, from Folkestone, were the first members of the public back onto the pier.

Ms Petley said: "It’s great to be able to take a walk on it again and enjoy the view."

Mr Barker said: “They should have bands perform at the end of the pier.

"What a venue!”

'Fantastic views'

Councillor Alex Paterson, portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement at Medway Council, said:

“It opens back up to us as a public space where people will be able to enjoy these fantastic views, not only of the river but looking back the other way you’ve got the castle.

"It’s just an integral part of the river landscape of Rochester.”

A council spokesperson said there was a "full schedule of renovation work taking place over the winter".

Rochester Pier will be open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.