Birnbeck Pier, once a vibrant Victorian attraction, has stood abandoned and deteriorating for almost four decades. Located in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, this unique pier connects the mainland to Birnbeck Island—a small rocky outcrop in the Bristol Channel—and is the only pier of its kind in the UK.
Originally opened on June 5, 1867, and designed by famed engineer Eugenius Birch, Birnbeck Pier quickly became a beloved leisure destination. Visitors enjoyed funfair rides and scenic promenades, while the pier also served as a vital maritime hub with a lifeboat station established just two years later in 1869. Over time, enhancements included England’s longest slipway built in 1902, supporting lifeboat rescue operations.
However, the pier’s fortunes declined following World War II. It was commandeered for weapons testing during the war, and when it reopened, visitor numbers dropped sharply as foreign holidays grew in popularity. The last steamship docked in 1979, and by 1994 safety concerns forced the pier’s closure.
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Since then, the structure has suffered severe damage from storms and vandalism, including partial collapses and the attempted theft of the clock face. Despite being listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since 1998, numerous redevelopment proposals have faltered due to financial hurdles.
Now, hope has been restored. An urgent £5.5 million funding gap threatening the project has been filled by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, boosting its total investment in the restoration to over £15.5 million. This critical support came just as North Somerset Council faced the prospect of cancelling the project after the RNLI withdrew over viability concerns.
Council leader Mike Bell expressed gratitude for the intervention, stating, “Without this lifeline, the future of Birnbeck Pier would have been in real danger.” Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, described the restoration as a transformational project that will enhance Weston-super-Mare’s cultural and economic landscape, ensuring enjoyment for generations to come.
Birnbeck Pier’s revival reflects a community’s determination to preserve a cherished landmark and restore it to its former glory. With collaborative efforts from local authorities, heritage organizations, and dedicated residents, this iconic pier is poised to become a vibrant part of the town’s future once again.