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The complexity of dismantling a Grade II listed building!

November 24, 2020

A great past article by Nash Partnership on the dismantling of the Pier.  I missed this one!

To read the full article please click the LINK here, Thanks

Assessing the viability for restoration

The Pier last closed to visitors when its then private owner went into receivership. Ownership then passed to Conwy County Borough Council just as they were developing a wide-ranging regeneration strategy for Colwyn Bay, as part of the North Wales Coastal Tunns Programme. Over the last ten years, this programme has significantly increased the offer for active leisure activities in North Wales.

Colwyn Bay now has a rugby academy and new coastal water sports centre, alongside the complete and costly reconstruction of much of its beach. However, while a restoration of the pier was built into the town’s regeneration plan and won first round Heritage Lottery Funding, the Council could not make the case for further strategic investment into the pier’s restoration study when they had so many other priorities.

Planning for partial or complete removal

We were commissioned to explore and test the planning case for the partial or complete removal of the pier in 2014. By this time the pier was in a very unstable condition, leading to the closure of a large part of the restored beach, due to the risk of asbestos and debris.

Placing Victoria Pier both in a UK national and Welsh coastal heritage context, our first set of planning applications proposed the retention only of those elements of the Pier’s fabric that had survived from its 1900 origins. The highly ornamented cast iron columns are objects of considerable beauty and the murals of the 1934 Pavilion – decorated by mid-20th century romantic artists Eric Ravilious and Mary Adshead – needed special consideration. The scheme then secured planning permission but not the necessary Listed Building consent.

Securing Listed Building Consent

Working closely with local engineers and using 3D modelling, we were able to demonstrate that that quantum of temporary stabilising elements needed to stabilise the structure would leave the historic ‘legibility’ of the pier very unclear. This evidence and the reality of the collapse in early 2017, led to a consensus that the optimum solution now was the complete dismantling of the entire structure. Elements worthy of re-use in a potential future restoration would be set aside for the long term. Planning Permission was granted accordingly with Listed Building Consent from the Welsh Ministers endorsed in October 2017.

The future of Colwyn Bay

A short, truncated pier will be built using salvaged elements to act as a platform for historic interpretation for the pier’s interesting history. The maximum useable historic fabric can be salvaged from the risks of further collapse and the murals can be further examined and recorded under the protection of appropriate planning conditions. And for Conwy County Borough Council, this means that the whole of Colwyn Bay’s beach can be put back into full utilisation


Colwyn Bay Pier News / Blog

Llandudno Pier repair work continues

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

A Model Of The Pier By TAPE.

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

Llandudno Pier Damaged By Storm

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

Clearance Sale At Pier Shop

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!)
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