Pier Bandstand (Weymouth)

Pier Bandstand Weymouth is an Art Deco bandstand on the shore of Weymouth Bay in Dorset, England. Intended as the ideal venue for summer performances, events and dancing, the design was flawed in that only a third of the 2,400 seats were under the cover of the two cantilever roofs. Knowing the unpredictability of the British climate, this was a major oversight and a case of an aesthetically pleasing design winning over practical usage – during rain the cover along the sides of the auditorium became overcrowded.

Construction

* Overall, convert|3050|MT|LT|-2 tons of concrete, convert|180|MT|LT|-1 tons of steel, convert|9|km|mi|0 of electrical conduit, convert|750|m|ft|-2 of neon tubing and 1,200 light bulbs were used during the course of construction.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/search/display.var.1944702.0.30k_is_exactly_the_price_paid_to_demolish_the_too_costly_to_repair_pier_in_1986.php| title = £30k is exactly the price paid to demolish the 'too costly to repair' pier in 1986 | publisher = Dorset Echo | accessdate = 2008-08-03]

* Sitting slightly back from the esplanade on a semicircular bastion projecting seaward, the structures overall length only extended to convert|60|m|ft|-2.

* The bandstand originally consisted of a raised deck area with glazed shelters along both sides, leading to a semicircular Bandstand as the focal point at the seaward end. The cantilever roof ensured that no columns were required that would have impaired the audience's view.

Redevelopment

As part of the regeneration of Weymouth and Portland, it was decided in 2007 that Weymouth's esplanade will be redeveloped in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. The scheme could include the restoration and extension the pier bandstand. The exterior's Art Deco features and symmetry would be restored, the ground floor converted into a café, restaurant and toilet facilities, and the upper floor extended out to sea with a curved wooden deck.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.weymouth.gov.uk/docstore/planning/planningpolicy/THI/Consultation/POL_20070821_Sec3.pdf| title = Weymouth Seafront Strategy – Design Guidance | publisher = Weymouth and Portland Borough Council | accessdate = 2008-08-03] The area in front of the bandstand would be redesigned into a 1930s-styled square, as the northern gateway to Weymouth Esplanade.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.weymouth.gov.uk/docstore/planning/planningpolicy/THI/consultation/POL_20070716_Board1.pdf| title = Weymouth Esplanade: A Visionary Masterplan | publisher = Weymouth and Portland Borough Council | accessdate = 2008-08-03] cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.weymouth.gov.uk/docstore/planning/planningpolicy/THI/consultation/POL_20070716_Board6.pdf| title = Weymouth Esplanade:Pier Bandstand Northern Gateway | publisher = Weymouth and Portland Borough Council | accessdate = 2008-08-03]

Important dates

1930s

* 25th May 1939: The Pier Bandstand opened.

1970s–1980s

* 1970: the pier included amusements, gift shop and restaurant;
* 1985: the seaward end had became too costly to maintain;
* 1986: two schoolgirls won a national competition to 'press the button' to demolish the seaward end of the pier.

2000s

The main entrance on the shoreward end of the pier is home to an amusement centre, gift shop and Chinese restaurant.

ee also

* Weymouth Pier

References