Flags fly again at Birnbeck Pier
Flags are flying over Birnbeck Pier once again in a milestone for the restoration project.
The two flags were hoisted on June 30 on the new 5.5m flagpole installed on the roof of the pier’s old toll house. The grade II listed toll house and its “shell shop” are being restored as North Somerset Council’s major project to reopen the historic pier advances.
The flags represent Bravo and Papa in the international maritime signal flag system: the initials of Birnbeck Pier.
Mark Canniford, the council cabinet member responsible for the project, said: “The flags and flagpole on the southern toll house were an important feature of the original design, so their return marks another step forward in restoring the historic character of Birnbeck Pier.
“Seeing the flags flying at the entrance to the pier is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project and a visible reminder of the progress being made. Birnbeck Pier means so much to local people, and we’re committed to bringing this iconic landmark back into sustainable use for future generations.”
The pier restoration project remains on budget and on schedule, with the pier set to reopen next summer.
Contractors Mackley have been removing the original bridge out to Birnbeck Island, working alongside it on a distinctive jack up barge platform since March. The first new span of the bridge was craned into place in June.
In July, councillors voted to accept an additional £19m from the government for the project. It is anticipated that this will fund the rebuilding of the pier’s North Jetty, meaning that steamers such as the Waverley would be able to call at the pier once again.
The government funding brings the total funding secured for the project to just over £44m. The pier, which is unique in being the only one in the country to connect to an island, opened in 1867. It was designed by master pier builder Eugenius Birch and is considered by some to be his finest work.
For decades it was considered one of the most at risk structures in the country.
The restoration of the toll house was funded by £62k from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.
Historic England’s Louise Brennan said: “The return of the flags is a small but highly visible milestone in Birnbeck Pier’s remarkable restoration. Through the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we’re helping to bring new life to this iconic landmark, preserving its historic character while supporting its future as a place for people to enjoy once again.”