A MASSIVE multi-million pound redevelopment of Clacton Pier is set to be unveiled this weekend.

Bosses have spent a whopping £4 million on the facelift in a bid to make the entertainment venue one of the region’s top attractions.

They claim it represent the “dawn of a new era” for the pier, which was built in 1871 and draws up to 500,000 visitors a year.

The revamp is designed to make the venue a year-round attraction.

Saturday sees the official opening of the split-level Skull Point American-style adventure golf course and Discovery Bay adventure play area, which cost £500,000 each.

There is also a new Galley family restaurant, Captain’s Table coffee shop and Dockside Dodgems, and the Seaquarium has been revamped.

Pier boss Billy Ball said the redevelopment has taken the pier to a new level.

“The new all-weather adventure golf really is for the kids right up to grandparents to have fun together and enjoy themselves as a family,” he said.

“Obviously the state-of the art adventure play area has been specifically designed for the children and will be a place where they can play in safety, meet new friends and just have a great time.

“The fact that this will be open all the year round will make it a regular venue whatever the weather with the convenience of TV screens and free wi-fi for parents as they wait for their children.”

The new development includes under-floor heating and a 1930s art deco feel.

The eastern wall of the building has been replaced with large glass panels giving an unbroken sea view.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Listen to Chico perform at the attraction 

Saturday’s opening will include free live entertainment throughout the day with X Factor’s Stevi Ritchie and Chico performing, along with Clacton’s Tracey Moorehouse and a reggae band in the evening.

There will also be children’s entertainer James Magic and a face painter. The official opening will take place at midday with Stevi Ritchie and Chico performing between 12.30pm and 2pm, followed by Tracey.

Circus Fantasia are putting on two shows in the Jolly Roger at the end of the pier at 2pm and 4.15pm and there will be a fireworks extravaganza at 9.30pm to round off the celebrations.

READ MORE: CIRCUS FANTASIA RETURNS TO PIER