Report content as inappropriate
Original Text (Annotation: EAW002987 / 2164917)
'
The Pier Bandstand, Weymouth. Built in 1938-39 for a cost of £35,000, to the designs of V.J. Wenning, who had won the architectural competition for the bandstand's design. Wenning's plans were one of twenty-six entries considered. The builder, Christiani Neilson, employed local labour. The bandstand was opened on 25 May 1939 by J.T. Goddard, the Mayor of Weymouth. Overall, 3,050 metric tons (3,000 long tons) of concrete, 180 metric tons (180 long tons) of steel, 9 kilometres (6 mi) of electrical conduit, 750 metres (2,500 ft) of neon tubing and 1,200 light bulbs were used during the course of construction.
The seaward section was able to seat 2,400 people, however only 800 of these seats were sheltered as the centre of the bandstand was roofless.
By the 1980s, the seaward end of the bandstand was in need of major repair to maintain the stability of the structure. With Weymouth & Portland Borough Council facing £300,000 in repair costs, the cheaper alternative of demolishing the bandstand was approved for a cost of £30,000. A national competition was launched to find the individual who would 'press the button' to demolish it, which was won by two schoolgirls from Birmingham. The bandstand was demolished on 4 May 1986, which drew a large crowd of spectators. As a result the structure is deemed to be a "lost" pier by some noted authorities. The work left only the landward building standing, which was later refurbished. From Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_Bandstand,_Weymouth '
