Boscombe voted best amongst its piers

The structure, described as “one of the coolest piers in the country” by designer Wayne Hemingway, beat off competition from 10 others shortlisted in the annual poll by the National Piers Society.

The award is designed to acknowledge and reward commitment to restoring the UK’s much-loved seaside icons.

Boscombe Pier, now dubbed a “stylish post-modern structure”, is praised for its grade II listed entrance building with its distinctive flying wing design, and central windbreak with panels telling its story down the years.

• The pier was built in 1888

•It was partly demolished during the Second World War for security reasons and lay in a sorry state until the 1950s, when it was revamped

•It’s distinctive, modern entrance building was listed in 2004

The pier underwent refurbishment in 2008, which included replacement of the structurally unsound end section with a new viewing platform, new wooden decking, handrails, lighting and windbreak. More recently public benches have been added.

Only four years earlier, the same entrance building was widely dubbed an eyesore, and plans to list it were called “crazy” by the council’s then deputy leader, Cllr Richard Smith. In 2000, many councillors even called for the pier to be demolished.

Boscombe Pier is one of the most photographed local landmarks in our Flickr group

Cllr Anne Filer, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said she was delighted Boscombe had won the prestigious award as the town celebrates its bicentenary.

Gavin Henderson of the National Piers Society said Boscombe Pier had played “second fiddle” to its sister pier at Bournemouth for far too long.

John Amos, chairman of the Friends of Boscombe Pier group Inspieration, said: “Boscombe Pier offers an attractive and distinctive alternative to other piers with arcades, bars and theatres.

“Winning the Pier of the Year award is a great honour and everyone involved in the pier’s restoration, reopening and the events held on it since can feel very proud.”