Volunteers who have undertaken a painstaking project to restore an historic pier are now after ideas on what to do with it once it’s finished.

Proposals for Rochester Pier include a venue for live music, pop-up shops, a café and bar, a seasonal market - or even for private hire.

For nearly two-and-a-half years the collapsed structure on the banks of the River Medway on the Esplanade has been a sorry sight.

Medway Council, which is in charge of its maintenance, closed it five years ago because it was deemed unsafe.

Work has been undertaken to remove the collapsed sections of the pier. The upper section of the pier was then surveyed at a cost of £3,500 to ensure it was safe .

A further £3,000 was allocated towards the restoration works, which include repainting the railing, a new locking system on the main gate, electrical testing and restoring power.

Much of this work has been carried out by the Friends of Rochester Churchfields (FoRCE), a team of volunteers who have gave up countless hours to get it ready for a soft reopening at the beginning of last month.

It is now open from “dusk to dawn” every day and the group has pledged to make it a “vibrant” place to be.

They are working alongside the council’s contractor Norse in time to get it officially launched in spring next year.

Ironically it actually fell apart, plunging into the river in May 2022, just as £137,000 funding had been secured to repair it and return it to public use.

In its heyday, when it was known as Esplanade Pier it provided access for river trips and passenger services.

In 1998, it was extensively improved with a new 19-metre pontoon to accommodate the Kingswear Castle paddle steamer.

A survey in 2019 identified 11 priority repairs, including the flotation platform which showed signs of metal buckling

With insufficient funding available a river tour company ceased use of the pontoon and the pier was closed.

Rochester Bridge Trust was approached for advice and potential funding but was unable to provide charity money to a local authority.

But the trust which manages and maintains Rochester Bridge did pay for a feasibility report.

In FoRCE’s latest newsletter they ask for suggestions on what visitors would like to see at the site and how it should be used.

It reads: “As the work continues restoring Rochester Pier, including significant improvements to vital services such as power, improved lighting, and fresh water, we’re also looking ahead to what amenities could make it an even more enjoyable place for our community - and this is where you come in!

“What additions would you like to see on the pier once it's fully operational?

“Would you prefer more seating areas to relax and enjoy the view, or maybe educational signage to learn more about the pier's history and local wildlife?

“Perhaps you’d welcome food and beverage pop-ups, live music events, or even the opportunity to hire the space for private gatherings?”

Some other ideas include commemorative plaques, art installations, designated fishing spots, or even seasonal markets.

Medway Council will aim to secure further funding to repair the canopy roof and make further improvements to the concrete decking and install a rainwater collection system to assist with plant watering.

There are no immediate plans to reinstate visiting vessels at Rochester Pier.