Maintaining Worthing Pier

We invest significant amounts of money into maintaining Worthing Pier. That includes carrying out ongoing routine repairs and longer-term projects to replace decking and other items.

Unfortunately in October 2024 the pier suffered storm damage to some of its supporting piles, leaving it unsafe for the public:

• Worthing Pier temporary closure (October 2024)

We worked rapidly with specialist engineering companies to have a temporary steel support structure designed and built to sit underneath the weakened section of the pier and give it extra strength. This prevented more piles being damaged by extra strain from the weight of the deck and also allowed us to reopen the pier to the public in December 2024.

A permanent fix for the pier

Our engineers are working with structural experts on a plan to repair the damaged section of the pier during 2026.

Photo: Damage to Worthing Pier - the snapped pile before it was removed

We have identified funding totalling up to £900,000 for the project, with the intention that the work will be carried out during the summer and autumn when the weather and tides are generally easier to work in.

The hope is that by scheduling the repairs at that time of year, the work will be able to be completed more quickly and more cost effectively, with the pier able to remain open at the same time.

The support structure was designed to sit in place for around two years. Since it was put in place, our engineers have been discussing with contractors what would be needed for a permanent fix.

Photo: the steel support structure under the pier

We'll share more information about how the repair will be done when the details are finalised.

Ongoing repairs

While the designs for the permanent repair are worked on in the coming months, our engineers and contractors continue to carry out routine maintenance on the underside of the pier. Minor repairs are a regular occurrence for a structure of the pier's age, and include tightening bolts and replacing tie bars and bull bars underneath the pier's decking.

Photos: the supporting legs, tie bars and bull bars under the pier

These repairs can only be carried out during each month's spring low tides - when the tide goes out far enough for the team to have a good amount of time on the beach - so the work cannot be done during the winter when those tides are shorter.

Our contractors also replace our decking timbers section-by-section when they get about 25 years old, ensuring the walkway continues to be in a good and safe condition for the many thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy our seafront.

At the same time they inspect the steel beams underneath and fit new ones when any need replacement.

At the beginning of 2024 the decking at the eastern entrance to the pier - between the entrance kiosk and the concrete base that the Denton Lounge sits on - was replaced.

Photo: Worthing Pier - the decking removed

Photo: Worthing Pier - the decking joists being replaced

Photo: Worthing Pier - the new decking

The equivalent project is currently underway at the western entrance to the pier and will be completed early in 2026.

We're investing in Worthing's seafront and the town centre to make the area more attractive to visitors and residents.

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