Blackpool North Pier sold to Big Wheel owner

The new owners are planning to restore the pier's train

Blackpool's oldest pier has changed hands for an undisclosed sum.

North Pier, which was built in 1863, had been owned by Six Piers Ltd, which last year sold the resort's famous tower to the local council.

The new owners are Blackpool family firm Sedgwick's, which owns amusement arcades and the big wheel on Blackpool's Central Pier.

New owner Peter Sedgwick said he wanted to restore the Victorian heritage of Blackpool's largest pier.

Mr Sedgwick said he wanted to "keep the heritage of the pier" and said the previously paid-for attraction would now have free admission.

"The vision for it is to redecorate it and keep it Victorian," he added.

Blackpool's other two piers, South and Central, still belong to Six Piers Ltd, which is owned by Chorley businessman Trevor Hemmings.

He bought the piers from First Leisure in 1998.

Mike Williams, operations director for Six Piers Ltd, said the company was still committed to the resort and had major investments planned for the other two piers.

"I'm very excited about the work we are doing," he said.