PHOENIX FROM THE
FLAMES


Date: 28th October 2010

Pictures and report by Fishboy

Two years ago we reported on a devastating fire which destroyed the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare along with decades of history.

The fire in 2008
The fire in 2008

Apart from the building itself, the coin-op machines in the arcade were also destroyed.  These included four new Stern machines - Indiana Jones, Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean and Shrek.

We also reported how the co-owner Kerry Michael vowed to "work tirelessly to restore" the pier.

Well, just two years later, the pier is back and better than ever.

The new Grand Pier
The new Grand Pier

Visitors to the new Pier
Visitors to the new Pier

The facade of the new pier building
The facade of the new pier building

The opening of the new pier this month, which cost a reported £39 million ($62.5 million), has been a huge success with people pouring in to see the new attractions; two £355,000 Formula 1 simulators, a multi-level go kart track, a 4D cinema and Robocoaster to mention just a few.

Inside the new building
Inside the new building

The arcade floor
The arcade floor

Fortunately another four pinball machines have been installed and were being enjoyed alongside the other new arcade machines. These are a Shrek, a Spider-Man, a Big Buck Hunter Pro and a Batman.

Visitors enjoying a game of Spider-Man
Visitors enjoying a game of Spider-Man

Shrek and Spider-Man
Shrek and Spider-Man

Big Buck Hunter Pro and Batman
Big Buck Hunter Pro and Batman

It's always good to play a new machine and these are fresh out the crate.

 

 

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