THE multi million-pound project to restore Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare has been handed a £5.5 million lifeline – ahead of a vote to halt the scheme.
North Somerset Council (NSC) had been poised to stop work on the redevelopment of the landmark after the RNLI withdrew a £5.5m pledge to the scheme, amid fears over guarantees of its future.
However, ahead of a crisis vote over the project last night (September 16), a gathering of the authority was told The National Lottery Heritage Fund has stepped in to replace the money – meaning the scheme can continue.
Councillors, rather than vote on postponing the scheme, voted in favour of awarding the contract to restore the structure of the Grade II*-Listed pier.
The contract award was previously due to be determined at the July full council meeting – but was thrown into disarray after the RNLI withdrawing days before.
Yet, the contract has now been awarded to Mackley, a specialist civil engineering contractor with extensive experience and expertise of working in a marine environment and with heritage structures.
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Birnbeck Pier is the only pier in the country to link to an island, consisting of 15 sets of cast iron trestles, topped with a wooden deck with bench seating and lighting.
This phase of the project has been made possible thanks to £15,544,799 in total from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (made up of this most recent grant of £5,544,799 in full added to the £10m previously awarded in October 2024), as well as funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the UK Government and Historic England.
Total funding for the restoration has now topped £20m, with NSC also committing capital funding to cover risk contingency.
Councillor Mike Bell, leader of NSC, said: “We had a setback earlier in the summer, but we promised to work right up until the eleventh hour to try to find a solution, and I am delighted our efforts have paid off.
“We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Put simply, this lifeline has saved the day. Without it, the future of Birnbeck Pier would have been in real danger.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, whose support makes this possible, we can now press on with plans to restore this extraordinary part of our coastal heritage for generations to come.”
Birnbeck is the only pier in the country to connect to an island. Picture: Mark Robinson/NSC
Cllr Mark Canniford, cabinet member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, added: “Just a week ago we faced the prospect of closing the pier restoration project down. Today, it’s full steam ahead.
“This new funding proves national confidence in our plans. It safeguards a Victorian treasure, unlocks over £20m of investment and means we can crack on with restoring public access to the pier and island.
“Together with the approved work for the landside buildings, which is now underway, we have made great strides forward.”
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Birnbeck Pier is a unique part of our coastal heritage that has been at risk of loss for over 25 years. The additional grant reflects our commitment to saving heritage at risk and investing in the communities it belongs to.
“The restoration of the pier is a transformational project, enhancing and regenerating the cultural and economic landscape of Weston-super-Mare and providing enjoyment for generations to come.
“Birnbeck Pier holds a special place in people’s hearts and memories. The energy and commitment of local people and organisations working hard to secure its future and place the pier back at the forefront of Weston-super-Mare has been integral to getting to where we are today.
“We know that any major project and investment of this scale will have risks, but we are committed to working collaboratively with North Somerset Council, Historic England and UK Government to make this project happen.
“Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future and this project will do that.”
Work on the pier structure is due to start by the end of this year, being completed by the end of 2026.
READ MORE: North Somerset news from your Leveller
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