Fate of Holden Beach Fishing Pier remains undecided

HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The town of Holden Beach is exploring what to do with its aging fishing pier. 

The town purchased the 67-year-old fishing pier for $3.3 million in 2022. It is now closed due to safety concerns, while the town explores options about what to do next. 

Some residents want to restore the pier to its original state, while others want to tear it down, and replace it entirely. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers said the town’s main concern is the cost of such a project. 

“Right now, we just really need a business plan,” Myers said. “We need to understand what the long-term commitment is, you know, where are we going, how much is it going cost to get there, and then more important, how are we going to pay for it.”  

According to Myers, current estimates to restore the pier could be more cost effective—but would still require a replacement in 10 to 15 years. 

“You know, the number that’s being thrown around for a new thousand-foot cement pier is like $20 million,” Myers said. 

The Holden Beach Community Alliance wants the pier restored to preserve history and to keep visitors coming back. 

“We love Holden Beach, and we want people to continue to come here,” Holden Beach Community Alliance Chairman John Pearce said. “So, it’s part of the draw.”  

But the group also said building a new pier is not off the table.  

“However, what we are firmly against is we say no to demolishing the pier until a fully funded plan to repair or replace is in place,” Holden Beach Community Alliance President Keith Smith explained. 

Some residents believe keeping the current pier would likely cost more than it’s worth.  

“We don’t have a place that we can have a restaurant and tackle shop, and places for kids on the to eat,” Holden Beach Resident Will Carter said. “The ADA accessible capabilities of a new pier would be a whole lot better than going after the law of diminishing return.”  

And residents may have the final say. 

“So basically, we are going to regroup, come up with a plan, have an information session and see what residents want,” Tom Myers said. 

The Town of Holden Beach will hold an information session about the pier with a public comment section at the Holden Beach Town Hall on Feb. 29 at 5 p.m.