When local businessman George Burt introduced regular steamer services between Swanage and nearby towns Poole and Bournemouth in 1874, a need became apparent for a second pier to be built primarily for use by passenger steamers.
The introduction of regular steamer services by George Burt between Swanage and nearby Poole and Bournemouth in 1874 highlighted the need for an additional pier, mainly intended for the use of passenger steamers.