In the year that marks the 200thanniversary of British Piers, Bournemouth Pier is keeping pace of the times and thriving. An historic theatre on Bournemouth Pier is set to be unveiled as a unique global attraction after being transformed into an all-weather adventure sports attraction featuring the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire.
The RockReef attraction on Bournemouth Pier is owned and run by Openwide International Ltd who operate on a 20 year lease from the Council. The new attraction has created more than 50 new jobs, some of which are apprentices based on the newly launched Government scheme.
Openwide International Ltd are coastal resort regeneration specialists and have already worked with North Norfolk District Council to successfully revive Cromer Pier and the Pavilion Theatre, which is home to the last ‘end of the pier show’ in Europe. The leisure group’s aim for Bournemouth Pier is to provide adults and children with healthy exercise, adventure and challenges in a fun and totally safe environment.
The main centre opened its doors on May 24ththis year and features a “Clip ’n’ Climb” attraction of some 25 fun themed indoor climbing walls, including a Vertical Drop Slide, the “Leap of Faith” Challenge, a Highline Aerial Obstacle Course and the Pier Cave Adventure which is a 65-linear metre indoor cave designed for both experienced cavers and learners alike.
The unique Pier Zipline, which opens in early September willfeature a 250 metre dual zip wire over 80 feet above the sea. Launching from the Zip Tower on the end of the Pier thrill –seekers will race out and “zip surf” over the top of the waves to land on the beach.
Steve Cutbush, Managing Director at Openwide International Ltd said, “RockReef is going to help Bournemouth cement its status as a major UK leisure and adventure sports destination. The RockReef Centre is an exciting combination of fun with both physically and mentally challenging activities. You can work in teams or on your own and test your limits whilst having amazing fun with friends or family.”
Steve enthused, “RockReef provides children of all ages with an opportunity for independent adventure, exercise and challenge, all in a safe environment. The aim is also to encourage youngsters to take up active outdoor pursuits as a hobby.”
“RockReef is real, a genuine adventure and not like the “virtual” adventures that kids are used to playing every day on their video games. RockReef cannot be simulated.”
Commercial Director Rory Holburn added “This scheme only got traction in the last two years when the Government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme really took off and the Banks began to lend more to small businesses. There is no way we would have undertaken the risk involved in investing just short of £2m in this project without total confidence in the business concept and the wider recovery in the economy”.
“We are a classic SME that is growing, investing and creating jobs on the back of this economic recovery.”
Rory Holburn continued, “Although vastly different, the two Piers that we work with are great examples of how the great British Seaside experience can keep pace with the times with investment and good management and can provide future generations with the same amount of delight and pleasure that Piers have been giving the British holidaymaker for 200 years now. Launching the new Bournemouth Rockreef attraction in the same year as the 200thanniversary of Piers is a great example of how we can secure the future of these great institutions for the next 200 years”.
Kate Shaw
