Brighton Palace Pier is on the market for sale as the current owner aims to secure a buyer before summer. Knight Frank has been selected by Brighton Pier Group to manage the sale of this 127-year-old Grade II listed pier, acquired for £18 million in 2016.

The decision to sell comes as Brighton Pier Group, which operates various leisure sites and mini-golf venues, faces challenges such as declining visitor numbers and increasing expenses. Earnings dropped to £300,000 in 2024 from £1.7 million the previous year, with a 4% decrease in like-for-like sales. To counter the decline in visitors, the company introduced a £1 entry fee for non-residents in 2024, later raised to £2 in March of the following year.

Approximately four million individuals visit Brighton Pier annually. Anne Ackord, the Chief Executive of The Brighton Pier Group, emphasized the profitability and potential of Brighton Palace Pier, inviting interested parties to be part of its future success.

The BBC reports that Ms. Ackord mentioned a desire for the buyer to take over operations by summer. While the sale price remains undisclosed, potential buyers are advised to have substantial financial resources. The iconic pier features two arcades, 19 amusement rides, dining facilities, bars, kiosks, event spaces, and a children’s play area, making it an attractive investment opportunity for both UK and international buyers.

Following lackluster trading in 2025, Brighton Pier Group expressed intentions to sell the pier and also seek buyers for its Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire for £3 million. Ms. Ackord stressed the importance of tourism to Brighton’s economy, cautioning against complacency and advocating for proactive measures to sustain the industry.

The introduction of the £2 entry fee for Brighton Pier was attributed to the challenging trading conditions of recent years, marked by a 50% increase in overall costs.