Poole, UK – 8 July 2025 – A cherished piece of Poole's harbourside heritage, Lake Pier in Hamworthy, is once again welcoming the public after a significant £330,000 refurbishment. The beloved pier, a popular spot for anglers, photographers, and families, has reopened just in time for the summer season, ensuring its legacy will continue for generations to come.
The essential restoration work, which began last autumn, was funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy – a charge on new developments reinvested into local community facilities. The project, delivered on budget, has secured the future of the nearly 100-year-old structure.
Key improvements include the use of steel to reinforce the pier's structure, along with new side beams and handrails along its entire length. Additionally, 55 metres of the harbour frontage have been strengthened with rock to safeguard the pier head and adjacent car park from coastal erosion.
Councillor Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, expressed his delight at the reopening: "This crucial work has helped secure the future of Lake Pier as we head towards its 100th anniversary. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to re-invest Community Infrastructure Levy funds into fixing the pier’s structure. Funding projects in this way ensures we are able to improve facilities that matter most to their communities."
He added, "I would like to thank our partners who have helped us ensure access to the Pier can be safely restored once again and I know this news will be welcomed by all in the surrounding community.”
The timber pier, originally built in 1939, has a rich history, serving as a fuelling station during the Second World War. Before that, a structure at the site was used for barges involved in local clay extraction. However, the pier had suffered from the effects of extreme weather in recent years, prompting a 2023 safety inspection that identified the need for these crucial repairs.
The environmentally sensitive location of the pier meant that the construction work had to be carefully scheduled. With all repairs now complete, public access has been fully restored.
The reopening is fantastic news for both locals and visitors who flock to this picturesque spot. Known for its stunning sunsets and as a haven for wildlife, Lake Pier is a popular launch point for kayakers and paddleboarders exploring Poole Harbour. It is also a year-round favourite for dog walkers, with the adjacent Ham Common Nature Reserve offering beautiful walking trails.
The successful refurbishment of Lake Pier ensures that this historic and much-loved landmark will continue to be a place of enjoyment and recreation for the whole community for many years to come.
