AMID efforts to bolster Southend Pier as a visitor attraction, the lid has been lifted on what goes on behind the scenes every day to prevent another devastating fire.
It may be the world’s longest pleasure pier but it also boasts another unusual claim to fame - being one of the few piers equipped with fire sprinklers with a unique fire-fighting system.
The firm Zurich Insurance helps to support Southend Council in protecting and preserving the world’s longest pleasure pier.
The pier, which dates back to 1889, has survived a number of scares over the years including an inferno in 1976 which nearly prompted its closure. The pier bowling alley perished in 1995 and in 2005, the flames engulfed part of the pierhead and McGinty’s bar.
Following the fires, the pier’s unparalleled reputation has further been bolstered by its high-tech fire-fighting system.
Installed for about £2.5 million in 2011, the sprinkler system notably cost half the price of the damage a fire caused in 2005. The system requires weekly inspections, but it is believed the investments in money and time are well worth it.
Joanne Lowe, senior risk and insurance consultant at Zurich Municipal UK, said: “Zurich Municipal’s risk and resilience team were actively involved in the discussions around the sprinkler installation on the pier.
“Although there were some challenges, the most important thing is that Southend opted to install the sprinklers voluntarily, showing their willingness to control and risk-manage the pier themselves.”
Southend Pier now also houses 14 silver fire hydrants along its length connecting to the public mains and feeding into a reservoir supplying water to the sprinkler heads.
If needed, the system allows hydrants to produce a 30-meter-long jet delivering an impressive 3,500 litres per minute.
Geoff Hales, senior property risk engineer at Zurich Resilience Solutions, added: “All piers face issues. But I would say Southend Pier is probably unique, especially given the scale.”
However, the staff are undeterred by the looming threats as yearly renovations “future proof” the pier, promising more milestones for the iconic landmark.
The worn-out iron structure is gradually being replaced with steel, and the weather-beaten “Prince George extension” is undergoing a major renovation.
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