North Somerset Council has condemned the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) unexpected decision to withdraw from the Birnbeck Pier restoration project just days before contractors were to be appointed. The RNLI cited concerns over the long-term viability of the scheme, leaving the council grappling with significant uncertainty.
Birnbeck Pier, built in 1867, is uniquely the only pier in the UK connecting to an island—Birnbeck Island. Once a bustling tourist attraction, the pier has been closed for approximately 30 years due to dilapidation.
The council had hoped to restore the pier and bring it back to its former glory, relying in part on the RNLI’s commitment to fund a £5 million shortfall. A council meeting scheduled for July 8 was set to award the restoration contract, with work poised to begin later this year. However, the RNLI’s sudden withdrawal on June 28 puts the critical phase of restoring the pier’s structure at serious risk.
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Councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, expressed strong disappointment: “This is a shocking decision that breaks faith with residents, volunteers, and everyone who has worked tirelessly for Birnbeck Pier’s future. The RNLI pulling their support days before contract awards feels like an abdication of responsibility to the community.” He emphasized that just a day before the decision, the project was fully funded with robust evidence proving its viability and long-term benefits for Weston-super-Mare.
The RNLI, which ceased operations from Birnbeck in 2014 due to safety concerns, currently operates from temporary cabins near the Marine Lake, awaiting a permanent lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island. The charity’s lease of the plaza area ends in November 2027. Despite exploring over 20 alternative locations, the council maintains that Birnbeck Island remains the safest and most effective lifeboat launching site.
The council has secured over £20 million in external funding, including significant contributions from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and Historic England. Multiple planning applications covering different project phases, including the pier’s repair and a new RNLI lifeboat station, are presently under council review.
Despite this progress, RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes stated that after a thorough viability review, the charity does not have confidence in the funding or contractual arrangements to ensure project completion or sustainable maintenance of the pier. He highlighted the need to responsibly manage donor funds to support long-term lifesaving operations. He affirmed their commitment to maintaining a permanent lifesaving presence in Weston-super-Mare and continued collaboration with the council and volunteers to explore next steps.
The council reassured residents that other phases of the restoration project will proceed despite this setback, with landside building work scheduled to begin soon. Councillor Bell reiterated the strong commitment to saving Birnbeck Pier, a cherished heritage asset and symbol of Weston’s history and future.
The longstanding partnership between the council, RNLI, funding bodies, and local stakeholders faces new challenges as efforts continue to preserve Birnbeck Pier’s legacy and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.