Hythe Pier awarded Grade II listed status by Historic England
THE campaign to protect Hythe pier has been boosted by an award of Grade II listed status.
The inclusion by Historic England highlights the 640-metre structure's significance and special architectural and historic interest.
It could be helpful in unlocking future funding and also gives specific protection so that its status has to be considered when managing its future.
The news was welcomed by the Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA), which has been working to revamp the site that has been operational in its current form for 140 years.
A spokesperson said: "The decision to award listed status to the Victorian pier will greatly assist HPHA to secure the large funds needed to fulfil its ambition to restore the structure and its buildings, as well as its unique 99 years old railway, to former glories."
It is further good news for the ferry, which restarted operations recently after concern it could fold during the lockdowns.
According to Historic England the "pierhead buildings have good architectural detailing, and the pier’s well-surviving steel and cast-iron substructure, slender columns and cross bracing make it a strong example of a late 19th century pier with a touch of elegance”.
A map from 1575 shows a pier, indicating the site has served operations between Hythe and Southampton since the Middle Ages, making it a historically significant transport link.
The pier was built in 1879-1880 and officially opened on 1st January 1881, allowing access to the ferry service to Southampton at all states of the tide and in all weather conditions.
It was designed by engineer John Dixon and built by Bergheim & Co of London at a cost of £7,700.
It is the seventh longest pier in the UK and has been extensively used over the years by local groups including Hythe Sailing Club, which has a base there and instigated the annual Hythe pier regatta.
The electric railway, using locomotives procured from a War Office redundant stock, is believed to be the oldest still operating in the country, having been built in 1922.
It is still running today and is believed to be the oldest continuously operating public pier train in the world.
