In an exciting new development, we have started working on the south side building on Hythe’s Victorian Pier (built in 1894) to prevent further deterioration. Although this work is a temporary fix, it offers provisional protection to prevent further damage while plans are put in place and funding raised for a permanent restoration in the near future.

The temporary works being undertaken by DPB Contractors over the next three weeks include: removal and disposal of the internal asbestos sheeting; installation of guttering and battens and protective Perspex sheeting along the south elevation walls; and repairs to the glazing, internal flooring and lead roof.

Rich history of the south side

The building on the south side of the pier head was built in 1894 and extended in 1896 when that on the north side was erected. In 1894 the tenant of the south side building, the Hythe Sailing Club, used their clubhouse as dressing rooms for members.

At the outbreak of WWI in 1914, the Hythe Sailing Club handed their clubhouse over to the authorities for use in the war effort. The club declined to take up its option of re-occupation at the end of the war, so the premises were let to the YMCA. During 1921, the Royal Motor Yacht Club took up residence and immediately set about an extensive modernisation. Work was completed in March 1922 and the building was made up of “comfortable and roomy quarters”, including a large dining room, galley, bar, four berth sleeping cabins and a bathroom.

From the early 1950s until the mid-1970s the building was home to a restaurant. What will it be next? This is a very exciting thought and hopefully soon new life will be breathed into the building and it will take on another transformation.

(picture courtesy of Gary Woletz)

A diary in words and pictures of the restoration of our carriage up to mid February 2021. To view the diary please press the READ MORE button

After that click on this link to the diary

HPHA in conjunction with the Hythe Men’s Shed (at the Pier) has commenced repair work on the Hythe Pier Railway’s Carriage Number 4. The carriage, which has been gifted to the charity by Blue Funnel Ferries, is lying in the Hythe Ferry workshop and will be repaired to full operational and safety standards.

Once this work has been effected it will be placed back on the track, replacing Carriage Number 3 which will be withdrawn for a complete restoration.

This is the start of a proposed full restoration of the tractors and rolling stock that has been running up and down Hythe Pier since July 1922.

Dear members, volunteers and to all those who follow and support the activities of the Hythe Pier Heritage Association.
I wanted to share with you our message of support for Blue Funnel Ferries, the operator of Hythe Ferry. I am sure that you are all aware that on April 18th the ferry operations were suspended due to the dramatic turn down in passenger footfall that followed the extraordinary measures imposed by central Government to control the Covid-19 epidemic here in the UK. Blue Funnel like so many small and medium sized businesses is now facing real challenges with great uncertainty and a complete collapse in demand for its services.
As you know the Hythe Pier Heritage Association has been working with Blue Funnel since 2017 in an effort to secure a new future for the Hythe Pier and the Hythe Pier Railway. The plans for the restoration of both of these assets are now taking shape and legal agreements between ourselves and Blue Funnel are at an advanced stage.
With design development for the pier restoration in progress and works to restore the pier railway all set to begin, this national emergency and health crisis could not have come at a worse moment.
The continuation and development of a vibrant and viable ferry operation is essential to the long term success of our community project. It would be a disaster if the ferry operator were to fail.
Our objects and purposes are two-fold, the first is to preserve, protect, restore and redevelop the pier, train and associated buildings and structures for the benefit of the community and the wider public. The second is to share and advance the education of the community and the wider public in the history and heritage of the pier, train and ferry.
This crisis is unprecedented and the circumstances are exceptional. Without the ferry our pier has no central purpose, without the pier the ferry has no landing place, the two are intrinsically linked, right now there is a common purpose and I have today made my own personal contribution. I therefore have no hesitation in asking you to support their appeal and I am sharing it on our face book page.

https://www.facebook.com/HythePierHA/
Peter King