Three piers come to market

Bilfinger GVA has been instructed by Cuerden Leisure to sell two piers in Blackpool and one in Llandudno for £12.6m.

Wigan-based Cuerden Leisure also owns amusement arcades and last July suffered a fire at its Eastbourne Pier. The business made a loss in the year to 31 March 2014 of £5.5m from turnover of £28.9m.

The three North West and North Wales piers have individual guide prices of £4.8m for Blackpool Central, £3.3m for Blackpool South Pier and £4.5m for Llandudno Pier. The combined rent roll for the three is £1.6m a year.

The piers were constructed in the 19th century using cast iron piles, steel frames and wooden decking, and all boast features including promenades, amusement arcades, rides and food and beverage outlets.

Blackpool Central Pier is perhaps best known for its striking 33-metre-high Ferris wheel, added in 1990, while Blackpool South Pier features popular rides including the Skyscreamer and the Skycoaster.

Llandudno Pier, admired for its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and known as the 'Queen of Welsh Piers', has a total length of almost 2,300 feet and nestles in the crescent bay between the outcrops of the Little and Great Orme.

Richard Baldwin, director at Bilfinger GVA in Manchester, said Cuerden Leisure was looking to sell the three piers as the group restructures its assets. He said: "The piers are iconic North West attractions that have drawn international and local visitors for more than 100 years. Being located in two of the UK's best known seaside resorts, the piers are profitable assets and we anticipate a high level of interest in their availability."

The piers are available freehold, subject to various concession agreements in place. St John Stott, director at Cuerden Leisure, added: "These assets are jewels in the crown of the UK's coastline and we are delighted to offer them to the market either as separate lots or collectively."