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Gravesend Town Pier opens for pop-up event

An historic pier has reopened for a pop-up event this autumn.

The original passenger entrance rooms at Gravesend’s Town Pier have been transformed into a large café area which will be serving hot drinks and French crepes.

Gravesend Town Pier. Picture: Gravesham council
Gravesend Town Pier. Picture: Gravesham council

Artists will be working live alongside exhibitions and workshops and live performances are being put on for people to enjoy.

As well as this, there will be an art day with artist Duncan Grant, a Stories of Bloom sustainable wreath-making workshop, live riverscape painting and an exhibition by internationally renowned photographer Vince Bevan entitled Landscapes of Fishing.

The celebration of the pier is inspired by the visits of the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, The Waverley.

It will be open every Thursday to Sunday until October 20.

The pop-up is a partnership between Gravesham council and Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, which is planning to establish a long-term river bus service from Gravesend.

The event is part of wider plans by the council to reinvigorate the town centre and bring more visitors to the riverside area.

It follows on from the recent Franklin Festival, which saw the area around the pier hosting talks, performances and family activities that celebrated Gravesend’s rich maritime history.

Visitors to the pop-up will also be updated on plans to refurbish the pier.

Sean Collins, co-founder and chief executive of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: “We have a passion for river travel and a passion for Gravesend Town Pier, the world's oldest remaining cast-iron pier, which stands as a historic symbol of resilience and ingenuity.

“Now, as we step into a new era, it is poised to become more than just a relic of the past - it will serve as a vibrant hub for community life.

The Waverley disembarking at Gravesend Town Pier. Photo: Waverley Excursions
The Waverley disembarking at Gravesend Town Pier. Photo: Waverley Excursions

“With a vision that blends tradition and innovation, the pier could be transformed into a dynamic space for local markets, creative art exhibitions and cultural events that celebrate the unique spirit of Gravesend.”

Cllr Deborah Croxton, the council’s cabinet member for community and leisure, added: “We are really happy to be able to help fund this autumn pop-up on Town Pier.

“We know that in the coming months and years, Uber Boats by Thames Clippers are going to become even more invested and integrated into the town than they are now, and will make a hugely positive impact on our visitor economy,

“I would encourage local residents to make the most of this opportunity to visit and enjoy our historic link to the river.”

The unit was previously home to Riva bar, a riverside bar and restaurant.

However, the site was repossessed by the council after a lengthy legal battle with the tenants over unpaid rent.

In 2013, the bar owner admitted defrauding Gravesham council taxpayers of £57,000.

However, she was spared jail.

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