Get in touch
555-555-5555
mymail@mailservice.com

Birnbeck Pier restoration to benefit from £3.55m funding

February 18, 2023

A Victorian pier in danger of collapse is to benefit from £3.55 million in government funding.

Birnbeck Pier, in Weston-super-Mare, closed to the public in 1994 and became so unstable that RNLI lifeboat crews stopped using it as a base in 2014.

Now cash from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has been allocated towards its repairs.

Mark Canniford, from North Somerset Council, said the money is "vital" in the effort to save the pier.

The executive councillor for placemaking and economy said the authority is also "working tirelessly to secure a sale with the private owner, whilst continuing in parallel with the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)".

'Significant step'

It is hoped that the council will own the site soon, allowing it to start restoring the pier which will pave the way for the public to have access and the RNLI to once again have a base there.

The money came from the NHMF's Cultural Assets Fund (CAF) which has awarded £20million to 11 projects nationally.

Adrian Carey, RNLI head of region, said the development was a "significant step" towards the council's wider plan to regenerate the pier.

It also means that the RNLI can move forward with the next stage of engineering and design works to restore access to the island and reinstate a volunteer lifeboat station there.

'Positive news'

He added: "While the success of the project is still dependent on many factors, the charity is encouraged by this positive news."

The pier opened in 1867 and went on to play a vital role during World War Two as a site of experimental activities and weapons testing.

It was the backdrop to a famous 1963 publicity photograph of The Beatles, then an up-and-coming group.

But it feel into disrepair over the subsequent decades and closed to the public in 1994 before being placed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register in 1999.

The Grade II-listed site is the only pier in the UK to link to an island and served as an RNLI lifeboat station for 132 years.

Arts minister Stuart Andrew said he was "delighted" to be helping support the regeneration of the pier.

"Heritage is an important part of what makes a place so special. It connects us to our history, brings in visitors and makes us proud of where we live," he added.

From see HERE


Colwyn Bay Pier News / Blog

By M Austin January 18, 2025
Llandudno Pier repair work continues- this is when it could reopen, (This is great news) LLANDUDNO PIER could reopen in some capacity this coming weekend, with most of its businesses to remain closed until February. The famous Victorian-era landmark was devastated by Storm Darragh in early December, with Kelly's Ice Cream parlour "completely” swept away , while a 150-year-old unit was "ripped off its foundations", with storm damage totalling an estimated £250,000. Llandudno Pier, which is owned by Tir Prince Leisure Group, have given an update on the work which has already been undertaken at the site. The gentleman’s toilet block will have its roof replaced, as the footing for the Kelly’s unit now been cleared and made safe. The roof to the bar at the end of the pier is currently being repaired after several sections were blown o One hut remains on its side, with another impacted hut requiring surveying. “Several” benches and tables which were damaged are in the process of being repaired, and repairs will shortly start on the steel work supporting the structure – 10-12 pieces under the café, bar and deck arcade were “significantly” damaged and will need replacing or reattaching. “The weather hasn’t helped in any way with the progress of the repairs and we have faced several hurdles so far as a result,” said Paul Williams, Llandudno Pier general manager. “We are looking at opening up the Pier as far as the The Crystal Hut by next weekend. “The shops will remain closed until February 1 and then hopefully back fully trading for the upcoming season. “We are trying our hardest to get the Pier back open fully as quickly, but as safely, as possible. “On behalf of the whole team, I would like to thank everyone for all their continued support, it’s greatly appreciated. I look forward to to welcoming everyone back in the coming weeks.” Thisarticle is from the North Wales Pioneer see HERE
By MD Austin January 6, 2025
A big Thank you to TAPE who have created this fantastic model of the new Pier, which is now on display in a shop window, near the entrance to the Bay View Shopping Centre, Colwyn Bay, About TAPE (Priding itself on accessibility and inclusivity TAPE has been providing high-quality inclusive. supportive, person-led opportunities since 2008. From 1-hour taster sessions and film screenings to commercial contracts and feature film production TAPE’s delivery offers people the chance to explore and develop their creativity. TAPE’s delivery supports both individuals and groups, working with people of all ages and experience levels, ensuring that they are centrally involved in the creative process. From first time creatives through to graduates and professionals the charity can offer training, support and opportunities.) see their website HERE
By M Austin December 7, 2024
Heartbreaking news, as Llandudno Pier has been damaged by a 93mph gales! The owner of Llandudno's historic pier says it will be a "miracle" if it survives Storm Darragh. North Wales has been battered by fierce winds since the early hours of the morning - reaching 93mph in some areas. The famous pier has already suffered damage in the storms. One kiosk has been ripped from its foundations while others have suffered roof damage. But the biggest fear is once high tide is reached at the resort. If wind speeds remain very high this could see the whole structure swamped. High tide is at 2.42pm this afternoon. Wind speeds are expected to remain at close to 70mph in Llandudno for much of the afternoon, with gales blowing in from the north. Adam Williams, of Tir Prince, who has owned the site since 2015, said: "The weather is biblical. We have never known it so bad. The tide still has a long way to come in yet, if it survives it will be a miracle. "I am thankful we spent so much money over the summer reinforcing the underneath. It’s heart breaking to watch, so much good work can be undone in the space of a few hours.At 2,295 feet (700 m), the pier is the longest in Wales and the fifth longest in England and Wales. It attracts millions of visitors every year. Thank you to the Daily Post for this story. To read the article please see HERE
By M D Austin December 3, 2024
The Pier Trust Fundraising Shop. 18 Station Road are having a sale. Books 10p each, DVDs 10p each, Clothing from 10p each, Ceramics from 10p each, Bedding from 10p each and much more, We will be open this week, Tues, 10-3pm, Wed, Thurs Fri, am and Sat 9-4pm, pop down and grab a bargain. (Please do not worry we are not closing down!)
Show More
Share by: