A COMPETITION has launched in a bid to rename the oldest building on Clacton Pier.

A number of buildings are being renamed as part of the pier’s £4million development and the Jolly Roger – formerly known as the Pier Pavilion – is next to be rebranded.

The winning entry will be in with a chance of winning a family annual pass for four people, worth almost £200.

Clacton Pier spokesman Nigel Brown said venue owners Billy and Elliot Ball are open to all suggestions. “The building is very significant in the pier’s overall history and was responsible for it becoming a true leisure pier, rather than just a working platform as it began its life under the control of the Woolwich Steam Packet Company,” he said.

“It is a very important structure and has some magnificent features inside.

“The idea is to come up with a name that really does the building justice.”

Mr Brown added: “The aim in the longer term is for it to be revamped as a multi-use venue which will continue to be home to a circus but could also be used for business conferences, trade shows, concerts, a sporting venue for boxing, darts or snooker – or even weddings.”

The closing date for entries is Tuesday, May 8, and suggestions should be emailed to info@clactonpier.co.uk.

They can also be posted to Clacton Pier, No 1 The North Sea, Clacton, CO15 1QX.