Coogee Pier

Coogee Pier and Shark Net

Construction of the Coogee Ocean Pier was commenced in 1924 by a private company, the Coogee Ocean Pier Company, with a project budget of 250 000 pounds. It was designed to model similar English seaside Piers, such as the Palace and West Piers in Brighton. Large crowds gathered to watch the first piles being driven in on the 24th of July 1926, with the radio stations 2BL and 2KY broadcasting live on the proceedings.

The Pier officially opened on the 24th of July, 1928, at the height of Coogee's seaside resort popularity. It was proposed to be built at 250m in length to rival Brighton, and contain attractions including a 1400 seat theatre, a 600 capacity ballroom, a 400 seat restaurant, small shops, and a penny arcade. However, due to a shortage in funding, it was actually only 180 meters long, with minimal facilities. Dancing events, regular concerts, and a cafe are recorded as actually having eventuated. The project was mired in controversy going over budget and missing the original completion date.

The contracting company claimed that the pier would be considerably stronger than any similar pier constructed in England, but over the next few years, coinciding with the depression, crowds diminished and storms damaged the buildings. The dream of an English-style resort ended with the demolition of the pier superstructure in 1933-34.

The shark net, costing 6 750 pounds, was made possible with the construction of the pier. It stretched across the southern half of the bay and was attached to one of the pier's pylons. The occasion of the shark net's official opening coincided with the unveiling of the new Giles' Ocean Baths Complex and new surf sheds. The celebration was promoted as "Come to Coogee" Week and attracted a crowd of 135 000 people. Bathers flocked to Coogee and, after four months, the number of bathers had topped the 800 000 mark. When a hole appeared in the net, a crowd of 40 000 came to watch an inspection by a diver.

The building allowed for the advent of Night surfing at the beach, which proved very successful and attracted crowds of between 20 000 and 30 000 a night. The floodlights installed were powerful enough to allow night surf carnivals.

During World War II the net fell into a state of disrepair owing to a lack of materials and nature of the foreshore fortifications. After further damage from heavy seas had occurred the net was finally dismantled.