pier

THE historic Birnbeck Pier is currently undergoing an enormous renovation and will open next year for the first time since the 90s.

First look images have been revealed to show what it could look like when visitors can finally step foot onto the structure again.

Birnbeck Pier connects the mainland to a rocky island in Weston-super-Mare, but has been closed to the public since 1994.

The pier is being restored at a cost of £44million and it has been well-received by locals and visitors who are calling it “excellent news”.

In recently revealed images, it shows that along with work on the pier structure, surrounding buildings will be restored too like the Pier Master’s Cottage.

This will become a visitor centre and shop which will also be connected to a new modern cafe building and terrace, which will offer impressive views to the pier.

BE-LEAF IT

Perfect autumn attractions from £1.95 per kid from pumpkin patches to waterparks

DIG IN

Best UK garden centres with arcades, FREE soft play, fairgrounds… & even a beach

Nearby, the Pier View building which has previously been a café, tea room, dress shop, and even military offices during World War Two, will also be restored.

As for what it will become, that’s yet to be decided, but one option being explored is an ice cream parlour.

The Toll House that’s known locally as the ‘shell shop’, will be restored and has potential to reopen as a concession stand.

As for the island, this will also eventually reopen to the public, but it may not be finished in time for when the pier reopens.

When it is complete, visitors will be able to see the restored clock tower and pavilion.

Also on the island will be the refurbished 1888 Boathouse, which will become a cafe on the top floor and an events space below.

Boats will even be able to dock thanks to the restored North Jetty on the island.  

The island used to be very popular thanks to its theme park which had small rides including a miniature railway and water chute. 

Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, told the BBC last month that work on restoring the pier is already a quarter of the way through.

He added: “When people will be able to walk on the pier for the first time, I think it will be a magical moment for the many people like me who were born in Weston and have lived here all their lives.

He continued: “People who have seen this crumbling jewel will be delighted to see it restored.

“The North Jetty will enable us to bring in passenger and other ferry services to Weston.”

ONE of the longest piers in the UK has unveiled its latest restoration update after being forced to close four years ago.

Southport Pier in Merseyside has been closed since 2022 after being deemed unsafe but is currently undergoing a huge £20million restoration project.

As part of the project, sections of the pier are being stripped back including the decking.

There will also be replacement steelwork, such as restoring the existing handrails and tramlines.

A total of 27 lighting arches have been removed as well as a half-way house and kiosk that have been taken down.

The pier, which is one of the longest in the UK and dates back to 1860, will undergo construction and reconstruction work until around September next year.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

Sefton Council previously said: “The first task contractors will have is to assess the current condition of the existing paintwork on the structure’s columns. We want to ascertain if there has been any deterioration since previous assessments were undertaken.

“If the condition is good it can be left as is, however if not we will also need to repaint the whole structure as part of the repair works.

“This pre-construction work will take at least five days to complete.

“Following this we’ll shortly be moving onto the ground investigation stage within the coming weeks, which checks the stability of the ground underneath and around the Pier for materials like scaffolding.”

The pier originally opened in 1860 but the pavilion was destroyed in 1897 by a fire.

Another fire damaged the deck in 1959.

Then in 1975, it was awarded a Grade II listed status and a £7million tramway was added in 2002 running along the pier.

Notably figures associated with the pier include Charlie Chaplin, who performed there during his early career.