In 1867, Weston-super-Mare celebrated the opening of its first pier, a landmark that would define the seaside town for generations. Nearly 160 years later, in 2027, there is renewed cause for celebration as Birnbeck Pier embarks on a remarkable restoration journey.
Once the crowning jewel of Victorian and Edwardian tourism, Birnbeck Pier attracted thousands of visitors who marveled at its unique design. Built by famed pier engineer Eugenius Birch, it is the only pier in the UK connecting directly to an island—Birnbeck Island—leading some to argue it is actually a bridge. So popular were the steamers that ferried tourists to the pier that many never ventured into the town itself.
Birnbeck’s history took a dramatic turn during World War II when the Admiralty commandeered the pier, renaming it HMS Birnbeck. Though incapable of sailing, the pier served as a critical research station for the Directorate of Miscellaneous Weapons Development, contributing to advancements of the famous “bouncing bomb” used in the Dambusters raid.
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Post-war, the pier reopened but faced challenges. Ownership changed hands in 1962, steamer services ceased in the 1970s, and by 1994, storm damage and safety issues forced the pier’s closure. Over the decades, the structure deteriorated, teetering on collapse.
A breakthrough came in 2023, when after years of stalled negotiations and impending compulsory purchase orders, Birnbeck Holdings Ltd agreed to sell the pier to North Somerset Council for £400,000. The funds were provided by the RNLI, eager to return its lifeboat station to Birnbeck Island. Having vacated the island in 2013 due to unsafe access, the RNLI saw restoring the pier as vital to reestablish slipway launches at all tides.
The project attracted additional support from the Levelling Up Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund, and Historic England. While multiple organizations contributed to restoring historical buildings onshore, the RNLI pledged £5.25 million specifically for refurbishing the pier bridge.
In 2024, the RNLI applied for planning permission to convert the island’s pavilion building into a new lifeboat station. However, by mid-2025 the RNLI withdrew, citing concerns over project viability and funding security. This forced North Somerset Council to halt the pier restoration indefinitely, much to local disappointment.
In a dramatic turn of events at a September 2025 council meeting, the National Lottery Heritage Fund stepped in to fill the £5.5 million funding gap, reigniting hopes for the project. Work commenced in February 2026, with specialist contractor Mackley undertaking the pier bridge repairs. The restoration involves removing nearly all parts of the structure except the cast iron legs, carefully preserving historically significant elements for reintegration or recasting where necessary.
Wood recovered from the walkway is being crafted into bespoke furniture by Somerset Wood Recycling, which will be sold at a new shop and café in the Pier Master’s Cottage, helping fund ongoing maintenance.
Challenges abound, including working within the Severn Estuary’s massive 14-meter tidal range. To overcome this, a “jack-up” barge—a platform on adjustable legs—was brought in March 2026, allowing continuous work regardless of tides. Locals gathered to witness this unique vessel’s arrival, signaling a new era for the pier’s revival.
In a major boost, the government announced a £19 million investment that will fund restoration of the island’s pavilion, clock tower, and 1888 boathouse, as well as the pier’s deteriorating North Jetty—potentially enabling boats to dock once again. This funding takes the total secured for the project to over £44 million, a figure far exceeding the original Victorian construction cost of £67,775.
Future plans include transforming Birnbeck into a vibrant community hub with exhibition spaces, training facilities, hospitality, and year-round events to serve both residents and visitors. Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge emphasized the vision of creating a sustainable landmark that fosters community pride and economic opportunity.
The long battle to save Birnbeck Pier is far from over, but with renewed funding, expert craftsmanship, and passionate local support, the iconic pier is poised to regain its rightful place at the heart of Weston-super-Mare’s cultural and coastal heritage.