New plans submitted for restoration of Birnbeck Pier
The work is dependent on new funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund
New plans have been submitted for the restoration of Weston Super Mare's historic Birnbeck Pier, which has fallen into disrepair since closing to the public in the 1990s.
North Somerset Council is looking to turn it into a base for the RNLI after buying the site via a compulsory purchase order in 2023.
The new plans, submitted by council appointed architects Haverstock, outline how they would carry out several bits of work including refurbishing the more than 130 year old boathouse.
The proposals include:
- fitting out the South Toll House (Grade II Listed), Shell Shop and Pier View landside buildings
- reinstating the landside historic Grade II Listed gate line
- work to stabilise the pavilion on Birnbeck Island and create a new toilet block
- refurbishing and fitting out the 1888 boathouse, to include a café with accessible toilet and a flexible recreational community space
- public realm work to include installing lighting and information points, creating safe public access on the island, landscaping and work on the car park.
The full restoration of the Pier, which is the only one in the UK that links the mainland with an island, is not expected to be complete until the Spring of 2028.
The restoration work proposed in this planning application is subject to additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Councillor Mark Canniford, the council's executive member responsible for placemaking, as well as local ward member, said: “It’s great to see more significant milestones being achieved as momentum builds in the delivery of this complex project.
"Last month we submitted our bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an additional £7m in funding, and this planning application sets out the work we intend to deliver if that bid is successful.
“I’m particularly pleased to see clear proposals for delivering our aspiration to create a safe and accessible route for people around the island. We want visitors to explore and enjoy as much of the heritage of the island as possible.”
Tom Gibb, Partner at Haverstock, added: “We’re excited to submit this application as the next step in restoring important details and expanding visitors’ experience of the site.
"Our proposed interventions aim to secure the continued survival of the site while conserving Birnbeck’s rich fabric. This phase in the conservation of Birnbeck Pier would allow the creation of a public space that is safe and accessible for everyone.”
If you would like to find out more about the plans for Birnbeck Pier, you can do so via this link.
The planning application reference is 24/P/2439/R3 and the Listed Building application is 24/P/2440/RLA.
North Somerset Council has a specific page on its website about the Pier, which you can access here.