The Pier Head building was constructed as a temporary mess hall for the mainly Canadian demobbed troops still awaiting transport home after the Second World War.
The row of ancient elms which once stood on the site were home to flocks of the noisy birds from which the listed building at the rear takes its name. In recent years “The Rookery” (circa 1824) fell into disrepair, but was saved from demolition and restored by Michael Storer in 1995/6.
The Pier Head Café lost its raison d’être when The Pier closed in the 1970’s. Used latterly as a wind surfing school and bingo hall, it was finally deemed unsafe for use in the 1990’s. The site remains controversial in the Town, but the long term owners are still determined to gain permission for a landmark contemporary building including gallery, destination restaurant and café bar. |
