Heritage vessels may soon once again dock at Birnbeck Pier, thanks to a transformative £19 million government investment announced today aimed at revitalising this iconic Weston-super-Mare landmark.
The substantial funding will enable restoration of Birnbeck Island’s historic buildings and the reconstruction of the pier’s North Jetty, which has suffered from years of decay and partial collapse, making boat access possible once more.
Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge, who collaborated closely with ministers to secure the funds from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, remarked, “For too long the pier stood as a symbol of decline. Now it will become a symbol of Weston’s comeback.”
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Restoration work is already progressing on the pier’s bridge and land-side buildings, but prior plans for the island’s rejuvenation stalled when the RNLI withdrew from converting the pavilion into a lifeboat station.
This new £19 million investment will support refurbishing the pavilion buildings, the historic clock tower, and the 1888 boathouse. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell hailed the funding as “game changing.”
Mr Aldridge emphasized the significance of the funding: “Weston could not afford to miss out. Securing this £19 million allows us to push forward with the full restoration of one of the country’s most remarkable landmarks.”
The funds will also enable the creation of an indoor community space within the pier, aimed at fostering year-round activity. Mr Aldridge added, “This project is about more than restoring a pier. It’s about establishing a sustainable space that serves both the community and visitors — providing venues for exhibitions, training, local events, hospitality, and community activities.”
He envision a future where Birnbeck becomes a vibrant hub for Weston, “a place where people gather, opportunities flourish, and the entire town can regain its pride.”
Birnbeck Pier, uniquely connecting to an island, was designed by the celebrated pier builder Eugenius Birch and opened in 1867. The North Jetty, once a busy steamer landing site last used in 1979, partially collapsed during a storm in 2015.
Restoration on the island’s buildings and the North Jetty will commence once access is fully restored via the pier bridge. Marine contractor Mackley is currently replacing key bridge sections, retaining only the original cast iron cylindrical legs during the process.
On March 18, a “jack up barge” arrived in Weston-super-Mare to assist Mackley’s excavator reach farther parts of the pier, enabling continuous work regardless of tide levels.
With this latest government grant, the total funding for Birnbeck Pier’s restoration exceeds £44 million, coming from multiple sources including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, RNLI, Levelling Up Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund, and Historic England.
The new £19 million is from the government’s Growth Mission Fund. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated, “My economic plan creates a stronger economy by cutting living costs and national debt while investing for growth. Supporting Weston-super-Mare with this investment will make it a more attractive place to live, work, visit, and do business.”
Mike Bell also expressed gratitude to MP Dan Aldridge, “Dan’s determination was crucial in securing this funding. I’ve worked closely with him, and his passion helped convince ministers to back our vision for Birnbeck Pier. Congratulations to the entire team involved.”