New section of historic pier lifted into place

The first new section of a historic pier that is undergoing a £20m restoration has been lifted into place.

A new steel bridge span was craned into place on Birnbeck Pier on Sunday to replace a deteriorated section that connected the structure to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset.

The Grade II*-listed pier has been closed for more than 30 years due to safety concerns, but work to create a new cultural space, restore the historic clock tower and turnstiles, repair the 1888 boathouse and renovate the pavilion buildings began in February.

Paul Nutter, from contractor Mackley, said the restored pier would still feature elements that were "sympathetic to the original heritage of the structure".

"We are using modern technologies/modern steels so the structure will hopefully last longer when it is complete," he added.

Birnbeck, known locally as 'The Old Pier', is the only pier in the UK to link to an island - a small, rocky piece of land known as Birnbeck Island.

Almost every single part of the pier walkway will be removed during the restoration project.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, only the cast iron cylindrical legs will remain, and other parts with heritage significance will be tagged and reused where possible.

Somerset Wood Recycling will transform wood removed from the pier into furniture, with the profits being used for day-to-day maintenance of the structure when it reopens.

The Waverley paddle steamer - which returned to the Bristol Channel on Thursday - could also call at the pier if the north jetty and landing stage are rebuilt.

Paul Semple, general manager of the paddle steamer, said the route would be "like turning back the hands of time".

Restoring the jetty is not part of the commissioned works, but an extra £19m in funding secured from the government in March could cover the bill.

North Somerset Council hopes to reopen the pier in 2027.

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