Hastings Pier, a historic seaside attraction that has survived fires, storms, and a £12 million lottery-funded restoration, is set to be sold to a private businessman, sparking anger among local campaigners who had hoped to keep it in community ownership.
The buyer, Sheikh Abid Gulzar, who also owns Eastbourne Pier, is expected to finalise the purchase this week. Gulzar has faced criticism for his management of Eastbourne Pier, including painting parts of it gold, banning dogs and fishing, and charging an entrance fee. He has registered a new company, Hastings Pier Limited, but has not commented on the deal.
Friends of Hastings Pier (FOHP), a community group, had raised over £440,000 of a £500,000 target to buy the pier themselves. They claim they were not consulted and were shocked to learn of the imminent sale. The group fears the pier will be run for profit rather than the community's benefit.
The pier, which opened in 1872, was a popular music venue in the 1960s, hosting acts like The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. After a devastating fire in 2010, it was rebuilt with Heritage Lottery Fund support and won the Stirling Prize in 2017. However, the Hastings Pier Charity that ran it went into administration last November.
Administrator Adam Stephens is said to have chosen between two bids: FOHP's community-based proposal and Gulzar's private offer. FOHP spokesman James Chang said: 'Private investors typically want to make a profit. Under community ownership we’re not looking for profit, we just need to break even.'
At a protest on Wednesday, attended by 300 people, campaigners urged the administrator to reconsider. Dan Matthews, an events co-ordinator, called the sale 'a national disgrace,' adding that a viable community plan exists. FOHP has been asked to submit a revised business proposal, but the sale appears imminent.
