Weston-super-Mare’s iconic Birnbeck Pier has a rich history spanning over 160 years, and after decades of decline, hopes are high for its full restoration by 2027.
Opened in 1867, the pier quickly became a major draw for Victorian and Edwardian tourists visiting the Somerset seaside resort. Designed by renowned Victorian pier engineer Eugenius Birch, Birnbeck Pier holds the unique distinction of being the only pier in the UK to connect directly to an island—Birnbeck Island—earning it the occasional classification as a bridge. In its heyday, visitors arriving by steamer often stayed aboard the pier itself, captivated by its attractions before exploring the town.
During World War II, the pier was commandeered by the Admiralty and renamed HMS Birnbeck. Serving as a research station for the Directorate of Miscellaneous Weapons Development, it played a critical role in developing innovations related to the famous “bouncing bombs” used in the Dambusters raid.
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Post-war years saw a decline in the pier’s fortunes. After changing hands in 1962, regular steamer services to the pier ceased by 1971, with the last vessel docking in 1979. Storm damage and neglect led to its closure to the public in 1994, leaving the structure falling into disrepair under private ownership.
In a breakthrough, North Somerset Council acquired the pier in 2023 for £400,000 after initiating compulsory purchase proceedings. The acquisition was largely funded by the RNLI, which hoped to restore its lifeboat station back to Birnbeck Island—a station it had maintained for over 130 years before relocating in 2013 due to safety concerns.
While the council secured additional funding from the Levelling Up Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund, and Historic England, the RNLI’s commitment to finance the £5.25 million pier bridge restoration was pivotal. The charity submitted plans in 2024 to transform the island’s ruined pavilion into a state-of-the-art lifeboat station. However, in mid-2025, the RNLI withdrew, citing concerns about project viability and funding structure, leaving the restoration effort in jeopardy.
Just as the council was poised to cancel the project in September 2025, a last-minute intervention by the National Lottery Heritage Fund filled the funding gap, enabling restoration work to continue. In early 2026, specialist contractor Mackley began repair work on the pier bridge. This involved carefully dismantling all but the original cast iron legs, preserving historic elements for future reincorporation, and recasting severely damaged parts to maintain authenticity.
A “jack-up” barge was deployed to allow safe, tidal-independent access to the structure—an engineering challenge in the dynamic Severn Estuary. Local craftsmen repurpose salvaged wood into handmade furniture sold at the Pier Master’s Cottage café, helping fund ongoing maintenance.
In a major boost, the government pledged £19 million to restore the island’s historic buildings—including the pavilion, clock tower, and 1888 boathouse—and rebuild the North Jetty, potentially reopening the pier to boat services as in its heyday. This funding brings total investment in Birnbeck Pier’s revival to over £44 million.
Local leaders envision the restored pier as a vibrant community hub for exhibitions, training, events, hospitality, and year-round activity, symbolizing Weston-super-Mare’s regeneration and pride. Once a symbol of decline, Birnbeck Pier is poised to once again captivate visitors and locals alike as a centerpiece of the town’s revival.