A crucial step in the restoration of the iconic Birnbeck Pier is on the horizon as council members prepare to vote on the approval of plans aimed at saving the deteriorating structure. The proposed restoration, which includes the redevelopment of the pier master’s cottage into a cafe with a view of the pier, marks the first phase in revitalizing the site as a publicly accessible attraction.
This Grade II* Victorian pier, once a cornerstone of Weston-super-Mare’s allure, has succumbed to disrepair and neglect since its closure, with sections of its walkways collapsing into the Bristol Channel. The council’s planning committee is being urged by planning officers to greenlight the £4.47m restoration project, funded by North Somerset Council’s successful bid to the Levelling Up Fund, in a bid to set the stage for the pier’s revival.
The restoration plans encompass the addition of a new cafe extension and a balcony facing the pier, a shop within the pier master’s cottage, reconstruction of the bell cote atop the building, and the construction of a separate toilet block. Essential repairs are also slated for the pier view building, the toll house, and the shell shop, as well as the restoration of the clock tower and essential support work for the pavilion and boathouse.
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Upon completion, the broader restoration project will receive funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and the RNLI, who facilitated North Somerset Council’s acquisition of the pier in July 2023 through a £400,000 grant. Furthermore, there are considerations to harness renewable energy from the restored Birnbeck Pier.
The future of Birnbeck Pier is bright, with plans not only to preserve its historic significance but also to breathe new life into it, making it a vital part of the community once again.