We'd give pier back to the people
TWO Cleethorpes businessmen would be willing to invest up to £1-million in the Pier – with an aim of securing local sponsors – to turn it back into a traditional venue.
David Pinder, 52, who recently took over The Queens in Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, with brother-in-law Graham Johnson, says he would "give the Pier back to the people of resort."
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Business partners David Pinder, left, and Graham Johnson are aiming to turn the Pier back into a venue for the people of the town.
As reported, the nightclub, owned by local businessman Kash Pungi, has been placed into receivership and it was revealed earlier this week that property consultancy GVA Grimley has been appointed to oversee the sale of it.
They were appointed on January 28 as Law of Property Act Receivers following a breach of the owner's mortgage terms and conditions.
However, Mr Pungi has told the Telegraph he is confident a deal he has put to the firm will soon be accepted and he will be able keep the popular venue.
In the meantime though, Mr Johnson and Mr Pinder, who as reported, aim to take over up to seven local pubs and clubs in the next year, have been quick to show their interest.
Under ambitious new plans proposed by two local businessmen Cleethorpes Pier could be returned to its heyday, pictured left.
"I am waiting for a call back as I have not been given a price yet but it will probably be around £6-million," Mr Pinder said.
"We can put up £1-million but we are hoping for others to back us, and even the council, who could become more involved in the running of the venue.
"I am willing to start negotiations at the earliest opportunity.
"If we can salvage the Pier and turn it back into what it used to be like, it could generate a lot of trade for Cleethorpes.
"I would consider it as a nightclub but would want to focus on local dance competitions, a resident swing band and having bigger acts on in the summer."
Mr Pinder said he would also like to get local colleges involved in the plans to turn it back into a real public facility.
Mr Pungi said the money he needs to pay off the Pier is currently tied up in properties he is unable to sell due to legal issues, but hopefully it will soon be back in his name.
Mr Pinder added: "The running of The Queens is going better than expected and has done us proud. We are always looking for other venues."
Anyone else interested in purchasing The Pier can call GVA Grimley on (0113) 2808046.
Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph and checking www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk for an update on this story.
Comments
by Chris, Cleethorpes
Saturday, February 13 2010, 11:21AM
“Please, not another night club. The town is overflowing with bars and clubs. What about spending some of that regeneration cash on this place and using some imagination for a change instead of splashing it around on useless greenfield sites at the south end of town? A properly restored pier with a decent concert hall and other attractions would encourage investment where we really need it on the north promenade. For goodness sake there's enough places for clubbers and drinkers, let's think about families for a change eh?”