We, together with our project partners, are working hard to seek alternative funding to continue with the delivery of the restoration of the pier structure phase. Meanwhile, other phases of work will continue to utilise separate funding.
Our ambition is for Birnbeck Pier and Island to re-open to the public, attracting visitors from across the region to this nationally important heritage site. The vision is not only to bring the pier and its buildings back from the brink of loss, but also to create a unique destination to support the regeneration of Weston-super-Mare.
About the pier
Birnbeck Pier opened in 1867. It was designed by Eugenius Birch and is the only pier in the country to link to an island. It is an outstanding example of Victorian engineering and is Grade II* listed. It used to be a very popular visitor attraction with funfairs, rides and steamer ferries.
During World War II it was taken over by the Royal Navy and used as a secret base for weapons testing.
After the war, the site never fully regained its popularity. It began a slow decline passing through a series of private owners.
The lack of maintenance caused the pier to become unsafe and in 1994 it was closed to the public. The RNLI had operated from a lifeboat station on the island since the pier opened but they were forced to leave in 2014 after the pier was deemed too dangerous. The RNLI is currently operating from a temporary base at Marine Lake.
Historic England were so concerned about the deterioration that it has been on their National Heritage at Risk Register since 1998. Due to concern about the pier, we have been working with Historic England since 2003 and the RNLI since 2013 to develop a sustainable future for the site.
Compulsory purchase order
In 2020, we started a compulsory purchase order (CPO) process. The CPO public enquiry was scheduled to take place in August 2023, but on Thursday 13 July 2023 the owner agreed to sell Birnbeck Pier to us.
