Have you climbed a vertical pier?
The Vertical Pier, at Redcar
Its setting on the waterfront is quite dramatic at sunset
With only the wind farm for company
And the odd boat or two
But when the lights come on, there’s just a hint of magic
Sadly I wasn’t there long enough to see it fully lit, nor to climb the tower. At £1.6 million it hardly represents value for money, but it is definitely different. Part of a regeneration programme to breathe new life into this North Yorkshire town, it’s not so much a pier as a viewing platform, with 360 degree views of Redcar.
Renamed the Redcar Beacon, following a public vote, the tower has free admission and cafe facilities on the ground floor. What was I doing in Redcar? Attending an open evening for a friend’s latest venture. If you happen to be passing, say ‘hello’ to The Clock Gallery. There are some great photos on show.
What are you up to this weekend? If you have some spare time, why not visit Cate at Show My Face, and play Six Word Saturday? Have a good week!
restlessjo 
A great portrait of a single thing in many images. One image wouldn’t have done it, so scrap minimalism.
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My brain is too much of a butterfly to do minimalism well, Meg 🙂 Are you well this morning? All ready for an outing?
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Well – and loafing. We dined with my daughter’s in laws yesterday: large scale hospitality, the language challenge and a long walk through Pruszcòw parkland in the rain made me relish a sleep-in. I’m used to far more sleep than you.
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Enjoy! I’ve nearly written my Monday walk. Hugs 🙂
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I’m going to post my Sunday walk with a link.
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That’s kind 🙂 I’m in an after dinner slump and Dad is dozing, so I’m having a quick catch up before the ironing beckons 😦
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Our Warsaw iron was commandeered for another apartment two weeks ago. That tells you about my ironing habits!
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As always, your photos are beautiful.
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Thanks, Romi. Taking them gives me great pleasure 🙂
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That’s probably not a structure I would climb, Jo, but these are great pics! 😀
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It would look very out of place in the fields around you, Dianne, but it definitely comes in the interesting category. 🙂
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excellent photos! Glorious sky!
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The sky was stunning that night, Kathe. I wished we stayed a little longer because we had pinks and golds too. 🙂 Thank you!
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Clearly one of a kind. Thanks for bringing me along.
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I’m racing up those steps behind you, Ron 🙂
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I wouldn’t be climbing either, but I bet there are some wonderful views.
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I think you might have to face in one direction, Mlissabeth. There’s a huge petrochemical plant at the end of the bay 😦
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Looks like a helter skelter! More fun if it was maybe. Using OH’s iPad so commenting is a pain. Did visit Redcar years ago with my dad to the races there. I remember a pub where I had to go in to the ladies lounge! I was rather annoyed – I mean it was the 1970s not the 1950s 😉
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Redcar is still a bit that way, Jude 🙂 But regeneration is coming!
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£1.6m! what sort of people are making these spending decisions? Must be completely out of touch with reality!
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I’m afraid so, Andrew. Especially as most of the locals didn’t want it anyway! There was quite a furore locally. And it looks directly at ICI Wilton. Not the prettiest sight in the north east 😦
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I would not be interested in climbing it but I would love to see the view, industrial or not I am sure there is beauty to be found. I also do not think it is ugly but rather unique.
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It has something, Dawn, but is much better lit up on an evening. An expensive ‘fix’, but what isn’t? 🙂
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What a stunning masterpiece, Jo. It’s certainly not beautiful, but it is a very interesting design. The climb up to the top would be very good for your calf muscles. 🙂
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Last time I was in the area they were still digging up the front street and parking was impossible, Ad. This time it was closed. I’m just not meant to get up there, but to be fair, the view might not be worth it. 😦
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It is definitely unique…
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Yep! I don’t know another one, Tonya. Good holiday? 🙂
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As afraid of heights as I am, I’d love to give this a go. Great shots. Looks like a fun time at that Clock Gallery.
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‘Help yourself’ wine is never a good thing 🙂 But I enjoyed it, Gem. We were with old friends we hadn’t seen in a while so it was a great evening.
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This is really fabulous! I bet that’s one amazing view from there.
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I’m reserving judgement, Karen. There is a large chemical plant just out of the picture, which really can’t be disguised. The camera lies, you see 🙂
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anything free like this is bound to be popular .. imagining the queues in the Summer holidays .. I wonder if there are any statistics as to the number of visitors who’ve climbed it so far Jo ?
A lot of money indeed , and of course there will always be people who will complain . Love your pictures Jo if was that way I’d certainly give it a go 🙂
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It’s been very controversial, Poppy. Just down the beach is a large chemical plant, burning brightly and polluting the atmosphere. Redcar is a bit of a sad old place, but they are trying to do something.
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I’ve never seen anything like that before… Along with the fading sun rays… the photos are really captivating!
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It’s a strange thing, Jodi, but you have to admire someone’s imagination 🙂
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Pay to climb that ? Maybe when I was 20. Now I’ll buy the post card of views from the top … or just enjoy your lovely sunsets!
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The sunsets are good, Sammy. I can’t vouch for the view 🙂
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Until now I had never heard of a vertical pier. It looks cool.
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Amazing what you can find, Amanda 🙂
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That is quite a climb. I was quick to notice the fences they have put up to prevent people jumping. Must block the view though.
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To be honest, Colline, I’m not convinced that the view is something to get excited about. Redcar is very tattered at the edges and there is a huge chemical plant at yon end of the beach 😦 But they are making an effort.
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I’d never heard of a “vertical pier.” It looks similar to a lighthouse, but with more modern architecture .
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It’s a rather bizarre notion, Jackie and a lot of the locals think it’s a complete waste of money. But that’s modern architecture for you! 🙂
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Jo it is very interesting indeed. I hope you can take us to climb it one day when you have more time. I am gathering the outside structure is just for show and not for the climbing part?
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As far as I can tell it’s just to make it pretty on a night, Sue. I might go back in a year or so, but I don’t see how they can ever disguise the petrochemical industry just north of there. 😦 The camera lies!
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