CNL Lifestyle Properties - which already owns a number of entertainment properties in California, including Camelot Park in Bakersfield and WaterWorld in Concord - has bought the Santa Monica Pier-based park, along with a ground lease for the two-acre property.

Pacific Park - which offers 12 rides, among which is what is claimed to be the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world; 18 other games and attractions; a range of ten different food outlets; and the Pier Gear souvenir shop - will continue to be operated by Santa Monica Amusements, the company which opened the site in 1996.

Last year the park was reported to have grossed nearly US$20m (£13m) and it regularly attracts more than four million visitors a year.

Outside the US, the pier and its park are famous for having appeared in a range of films and television shows.

Image: Cjwalsh5

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