We know that many Ryers visit Hastings either for shopping or musical or theatrical events, and naturally have an interest in what happens to the Pier.
Its financial woes have been known and widely reported elsewhere for some time and it is currently for sale by the receivers. The last news was that, despite a deadline for bids for the pier having passed, the Friends of the Pier organisation had been given additional time to raise the money required to buy it. However, it seems that they may have been outflanked by self-styled ‘Sheikh’ Abid Gulzar who is rumoured to be completing the purchase by Friday of this week (June 15).
Hotelier Mr Gulzar already owns Eastbourne pier and his reforms to the way the pier is run together with his attempts to paint part of it gold have not gone down well in that community.
Rumours abound as to his plans for Hastings pier, including a casino and a charge for people to go on it.
The Friends of the Pier are, needless to say, outraged that an apparent promise to give them more time has seemingly been reneged upon and have issued this statement “The Friends of Hastings Pier are currently in conversations with world-class operators, with the proposition of making a collaborative bid. We know the Pier hasn’t been working. We know that things need to change and improve – we need a building, we need a budget, but we have a plan and if we’re given time and investment we believe we can turn Hastings Pier into the icon the town deserves. They need somewhere between a few days and a couple of weeks – surely this is worth waiting for?”
But will they get the time they are asking for? Or will the receivers be dazzled by the ‘sheikh’s’ shekels? We shall see.
Photo: Rye News library