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.
As a result of George Burt's introduction of regular steamship services between Swanage and neighboring towns Poole and Bournemouth in 1874, it became clear that a second pier was necessary, primarily for the benefit of passenger steamships.