An unusual sight has captured the attention of residents and visitors at Weston-super-Mare: a colossal barge resembling an upside-down oil rig has arrived beside Birnbeck Pier. On March 18, this remarkable structure made its way across the Severn Estuary from Newport, slowly growing in size and prominence as it approached the seafront.
The vessel, a 400-tonne jack-up barge equipped with four towering legs and a digger, was carefully towed into position by two tugs. Its arrival drew a crowd of curious onlookers to Prince Consort Gardens and Birnbeck Road, all eager to witness the barge’s dramatic placement against the backdrop of a setting sun—an event some compared to the memorable arrival of the See Monster sculpture in 2022.
Designed to operate in tidal waters, the barge’s extendable legs anchor firmly to the seabed, stabilizing the platform above despite Weston-super-Mare experiencing one of the world’s largest tidal ranges. Precise timing with the high tide was essential to bring the barge safely alongside the pier.
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The barge will play a vital role in the ongoing restoration of Birnbeck Pier. Previously, contractors Mackley have been using shore-based cranes to remove decking and handrails, but their reach has limits. The jack-up barge allows an excavator to work directly along the pier’s walkway, significantly advancing the restoration efforts. The barge will remain in place for approximately a year, with completion anticipated by summer 2027.
As work progresses, only the pier’s iconic cylindrical cast iron legs will remain intact, while the wooden walkway and handrails are carefully removed. Each piece with heritage value will be meticulously tagged and stored for restoration or recasting. Wood no longer suitable for reuse will be transformed into handcrafted furniture by Somerset Wood Recycling, sold at the future Pier Master’s Cottage shop and café. Proceeds will support the pier’s ongoing maintenance.
The barge’s arrival coincided with a government announcement of a £19 million investment in the Birnbeck Pier project, supplementing the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s earlier support. This funding will restore key features such as the island’s pavilion buildings, clock tower, the 1888 boathouse, and reconstruct the deteriorating North Jetty—enabling boats to dock at the Victorian pier once again.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell hailed the funding as “game changing,” while Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge emphasized the broader vision: “Birnbeck should be a hub for Weston – somewhere people come together, where opportunities are created and where the whole town can feel proud again.” The plans include creating versatile community spaces for exhibitions, training, events, and hospitality, ensuring the pier remains vibrant year-round.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, praised the government’s investment, underlining the pier’s importance as a symbol of local pride and hope. The funding now totals more than £44 million, contributed by multiple partners including the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Historic England, and previous governmental initiatives.
Birnbeck Pier, unique for its connection to an island, was designed by renowned pier builder Eugenius Birch and opened in 1867. Once welcoming visitors arriving by steamers on its North Jetty until 1979, the structure suffered partial collapse in a 2015 storm, prompting urgent restoration efforts.
With the support of the jack-up barge and significant new funding, Birnbeck Pier’s future looks brighter than ever, promising a revitalized landmark for Weston-super-Mare and its community for generations to come.