Birnbeck Pier, a Grade II*-listed Victorian structure in Weston-super-Mare closed since 1994, is undergoing a £44m restoration and is due to reopen next summer. About a quarter of the pier has already been restored; remaining deck spans and building renovations will be completed in the months ahead. Funding comes from government and heritage bodies, with the National Lottery Heritage Fund recently covering a £5.5m shortfall. Contractors plan to work through the winter to meet timetable and budget targets.
Astonishing Progress on Birnbeck Pier Restoration — Reopening Planned for Next Summer
The restoration of Birnbeck Pier is now a quarter of the way through [BBC]
A crumbling Victorian landmark in Weston-super-Mare is being brought back to life. North Somerset Council says the Grade II*-listed Birnbeck Pier — closed to the public since 1994 — is undergoing a major conservation programme and is on track to reopen next summer.
Work, which began in February, includes creating a new cultural space, restoring the historic clock tower and turnstiles, repairing the 1888 boathouse and renovating the pavilion buildings. Contractors say around a quarter of the structure has already been restored and the remaining deck spans will be fitted in the coming months.
Mike Bell said he was "confident" the pier would reopen next summer [BBC]
Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council: "At the moment we are 100% confident. We're on time, on budget, you can see the progress they're making. It's astonishing."
Gary Page, operations director at Mackley Construction — the company carrying out the restoration — said the project is unusually challenging because of the pier's unique design and condition. "We're planning to work right through the winter," he added, noting that temporary works are complete and the main restoration phases are now underway.
Birnbeck is unusual in Britain as the only pier linking the mainland to an island. The total restoration budget is £44 million, funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Historic England. North Somerset Council nearly abandoned the scheme in September 2025 after the RNLI pulled out, but the National Lottery Heritage Fund subsequently filled a £5.5 million gap.
Birnbeck Pier closed to the public more than 30 years ago [Getty Images]
Local Impact and Next Steps
Officials say the restored pier will boost heritage, culture, tourism and the local economy in Weston-super-Mare. With visible progress on site and contractors committed to keeping to the timetable, the council and partners are aiming to welcome visitors again next summer while delivering the project within the allocated budget.
Work continues across the site, and teams expect to complete the remaining deck spans and building renovations over the next 12 months to meet the planned reopening date.
Help us improve.
