We are delighted to announce that Mackley has been awarded the contract to restore the iconic Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare by North Somerset Council.
Following a competitive open tender process, Mackley was selected for its extensive experience in marine environments and heritage structures – expertise that will be vital in restoring this Grade II* Listed landmark, the only pier in the UK to connect to an island.
Our work on the pier structure is due to begin by the end of 2025 and is expected to take just over a year. The restoration will involve careful work on the pier’s 15 cast iron trestles and timber deck, preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and longevity.
This phase of the project has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund through the UK government’s Cultural Assets Fund, Historic England and North Somerset Council.
North Somerset Council, which purchased the pier in July 2023 at a sale price of £400k funded by the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Association), is overseeing the restoration, ensuring the project is delivered responsibly and sustainably. Alongside the pier restoration, works are progressing well on the land side phase with works including restoring buildings, creating visitor facilities and installing essential services and infrastructure for the whole site.
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, said: “It’s great to see momentum building with our project to restore Birnbeck Pier and Island. The first phase of work was completed at the end of last year, achieved within budget and ahead of schedule. Work on the landside phase is progressing well, and we look forward to Mackley starting on site later this year to restore the structure of our beloved old pier. The site has significant importance to our country’s heritage, and will once again realise huge economic benefit to the town and wider area.”
This landmark project will help regenerate Weston’s cultural and economic landscape, preserving a beloved coastal icon for future generations.
Mackley Managing Director, Ben Hamer commented, “We’re looking forward to working with all the supporters of the pier to bring this exciting vision to life.”
More information about the Birnbeck Pier Project can be found on North Somerset Council’s dedicated website page.
