Entrance Arcade, Victoria Pier, South Shore, Blackpool

NEW PIER ARCADE - Important developments are in progress at the Victoria Pier, South Shore, where an entrance arcade, something similar to the arcades built in recent years at the North and Central Piers, is now in course of construction. The secretary's offices and other buildings which flanked the pier on either side of the entrance have been cleared away, and the whole of the site which they will now be enclosed and covered over, the structure being also extended westward until the level of the pier deck is reached. The outer side frames of the present buildings will be utilised for the north and south sides of the new structure, but they have each been moved inwards so as to leave a gangway, about five feet in width, on either side of the arcade, so that visitors may walk to and from the pier without disturbing audiences assembled within the new arcade. The arcade, which is being built from the plans of Alderman R. B. Mather, architect, Birley-street, will be very pretty and attractive in design, the front elevation being in keeping with the other buildings on the pier and distinctly ornamental. Though irregular in shape, the rear portion tapering to the width of the pier-deck, it will nevertheless a commodious and comfortable building, well adapted for the purpose for which it is intended, namely as a hall for concerts or entertainments during inclement weather, when pier patrons might not care to walk in the wind or rain to the pavilion. Seventy-five feet in width and fifty-five feet in length, it will undoubtedly prove a very useful addition to the amenities of the pier. As the public is aware, the entrance to the Victoria Pier slopes upwards from the promenade, and thus the floor of the arcade will have a gentle rake, enabling the audience in every part tb have a good view of the stage, which will be placed in the centre of the side nearest the promenade, and will be large enough to accommodate the orchestra. Swing doors will be provided at each of the four corners of the building, and there will be sliding screens in front and along the west sides so that it may easily be thrown open when the conditions are genial or enclosed during rough weather. With a view to probable further developments in the near future, the partitions on the westerly side will only be of a temporary character. The roof has been kept flat and as low as possible, so as not to interfere with the view of the frontages in the vicinity of the pier. Its height, indeed, will not be so great as that of the former buildings, and even the ornamental pediment, introduced to enhance the appearance of the front elevation, will not reach a greater height than 24 feet. The general contractor for the work is Mr. W. Dixon, of Lytham Road, with Mr. Haslam, joiner, as sub-contractor, and Messrs. W. Booth and Sons, Bolton, are supplying the iron and steel work. It is expected that the building will be completed and ready for opening at Easter. [Blackpool Gazette 20 January 1911 page 5]

Reference    Blackpool Gazette 20 January 1911 page 5