Rochester Pier

No description of Rochester’s Esplanade Gardens would be complete without mentioning Rochester Pier. Stretching over the marshy foreshore, the pier offers stunning views of the River Medway and its surroundings. Historically, it served as a hub for both commercial and pleasure vessels moored at its floating pontoon. However, its importance extends beyond utility - the pier is a much-loved feature of the community, valued for its beauty, history, and unique perspective of the river.  

The Friends of Rochester Churchfields and Esplanade (FoRCE) have always viewed the pier as a key part of the Esplanade Gardens and are committed to ensuring it thrives as a community asset.

The Pier’s Current State

Years of wear and tear have taken their toll on the pier. Concerns about the structural safety of its floating sections led to restrictions on mooring. Eventually, the pontoon was condemned and the entire pier was closed; two years later, a major structural failure caused the brow to separate and sink, rendering the pontoon inaccessible. Today, the fixed section of the pier remains intact and has passed a safety survey, but requires care and restoration to return it to its former glory.

Our Vision: Restoring Public Access

For many in our community, the fixed part of the pier is its most iconic feature - a place to walk out over the water, enjoy the views, and take in the sights and sounds of the river. While access to the pontoon is valued by a smaller group of users, our immediate priority was to restore public access to the fixed pier structure, which is now allowing people to once again experience its charm while broader plans for the pontoon are explored.

A Brighter Future: Restoration and Improvement

FoRCE envisions a rejuvenated Rochester Pier that not only preserves its heritage but enhances its role in the community. Working closely with Medway Council and local partners, we propose:

Renovating Existing Fixtures

• Repainting and deep cleaning the fixed structure
• Sanding and revarnishing woodwork for durability and aesthetics
• Replanting and maintaining the existing planters to add greenery and vibrancy

Enhancing the Pier’s Appeal

• Installing additional seating, creating more spaces for relaxation and reflection
• Adding educational signage about the pier’s rich history, including its industrial, military, and recreational significance
• Expanding planting options to “green up” the pier and promote biodiversity

Partnering with Key Stakeholders

• Collaborating with Rochester Riverside developers, who have pledged materials, volunteers, and signage production to support these efforts
• Working alongside organizations such as The City of Rochester Society and the Bridge Trust, who share our commitment to the pier’s future

How You Can Help

If you’d like to volunteer, take a look at our Join in page for a list of our volunteer sessions. 

Whilst each session will vary depending on the season, there will be a range of things you can take part in. Specifically for the pier, you might be:

• Rubbing down
• Treating the rust
• Painting
• Planting
• Tidying

You can also help spread the word about our work on the pier by sharing this article on social media using the sharing buttons below.

With your help, we can ensure Rochester Pier remains a cherished part of our community for generations to come.