Specialist contractor sought for unique pier

Birnbeck Pier was in disrepair for 20 years, before being sold to North Somerset Council

A specialist contractor is being sought for the restoration of the only pier of its kind in the UK.

North Somerset Council (NSC) published an open tender to find a contractor to restore the Grade II* Listed Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare.

A planning application submitted by the RNLI in September 2024 is being considered for the only pier in the country that links to an island.

The publication of the open tender follows an agreement between the council and the RNLI for NSC to become the sole employer for the contract to restore the pier structure.

The agreement was unanimously approved by full council in November 2024.

The application submitted by the RNLI to NSC set out the extent of the required work, including repairing the pier trestles, and replacing the pier lattice and associated structural beams.

A new pier bracing, a new deck, new bench seating, handrails, and lighting would also be installed, and service ducts "essential for utilities on the island" would be provided.

Contractors would need "extensive experience and expertise of working in a marine environment and with heritage structures", the council said.

'Huge sense of relief'

The project is wholly funded by external funding, including £10m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in October 2024.

The RNLI, National Heritage Memorial Fund, Historic England, and the UK Government had also pledged money to the project.

Mark Canniford, the council's executive member responsible for placemaking, said the restoration of Birnbeck Pier had reached "an important milestone".

"We have a long way to go but I'm pleased with progress so far," he said.

"I'm sure many locals will join me in feeling a huge sense of relief when they look at Birnbeck Pier now that the physical emergency and safety work has been completed, as well as excitement for what's to come."

Contractors with "the necessary credentials" have until 25 April to register their interest via the UK Government's Find a Tender website.

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