A HISTORIC UK pier that links to a tiny island is set to become a new tourist attraction following a 30-year closure.
Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare has been closed to the public since 1994 due to safety concerns.
And now the Grade-II listed Victorian pier has been reconnected to the mainland for the first time in years, as part of a £20million project to reopen the pier.
It is the UK’s only pier that connects to an island – Birnbeck Island.
The pier regeneration is also part of a wider £44million project that includes the renovation of the 1888 boathouse, clock tower and landside pavilion as well.
Other derelict buildings by the pier include the Grade II Listed Toll House and its extension, which are known locally as the ‘shell shop’.
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Both will be restored and reopened as well as an information point with exhibitions.
The pier is expected to reopen in summer 2027.
And when it does, there will be a new lifeboat station and visitor centre.
Historically, the pier used to be a transport hub as well as a tourist destination before being used as a weapons testing site during World War II.
As for the island, there used to be a theme park there with a small railway and water chute.
Many locals have taken to social media to share their excitement for the pier reopening, saying it’s “excellent news“.