Plans submitted to restore dilapidated pier

Parts of the site could potentially reopen next year

The restoration of a Grade II listed pier could soon become a reality, after planning permission was submitted for the first phase of repairs.

Birnbeck Pier, in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, is in disrepair after being privately owned for several years, before being sold to the council.

If approved, work could start on the landside buildings later this year in the hope they could reopen to the public in 2025.

That would then enable work to start on the pier itself and re-establishing the RNLI’s lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island.

Work is proposed to start later this year on the landside buildings

Plans submitted by Haverstock, the council’s appointed architect practice, include:

• restoring Pier Master’s Cottage and reinstating the bell tower, extending the building to the north to create space for a café

• creating other visitor facilities, including toilets

• essential repairs to weatherproof the other landside buildings, known as Pier View, the old shell shop, and the South Toll House

• stabilising buildings on the island, including The Pavillion, 1888 Boathouse and the clock tower

• providing essential services and infrastructure to the whole site

The work is being funded by a £4.47m grant from the government's levelling up fund.

Councillor Mark Canniford, the local ward member, said: "It’s encouraging to see these proposals submitted for planning approval.

"Momentum is really building now and we're edging ever closer to starting work on site later this year."

Partner at Haverstock, Tom Gibb, added: "We're excited to submit a planning and listed building consent application - the first step to reinstating the pier site as a publicly accessible attraction and unique heritage experience."

The project as a whole has also received funding from the RNLI, National Heritage Memorial Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.