Southwold Pier's new owners have 'great plans to invest' in Suffolk tourist attraction

A husband and wife say they have "great plans" for Southwold Pier after buying the popular tourist attraction.

Amy and Charles Barwick, who live in the Suffolk seaside town with their young family, have purchased Southwold Pier for an undisclosed fee.

Mrs Barwick said: “Charles and I are so excited to become the new custodians of the pier and we look forward to running it alongside the fabulous team we’ve inherited, for many years to come.”

The couple have been involved in the hospitality and tourism industry for the last 20 years through their event management business Pineapple Events Solutions, which is based in Surrey.

Mr Barwick said: “We are looking at an initial light refurbishment in places, but this will be phased, as we plan to keep the other areas open to the public as we go.

"We have great plans to invest in the pier and its facilities and we’ll update our progress on the website, so visitors will know what’s open before they arrive.”

Southwold Pier was previously owned by Curious Pier, which is part of the Gough Hotels group.

Robert Gough, managing director of Gough Hotels, said: “We have enjoyed running the pier over the last 10 years and have appreciated the hard work of local staff who have dedicated themselves to look after all our visitors.

"We wish Amy and Charles every success in the future.”

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