Heritage grants to help breathe new life into historic pier
Extra funding enables more restoration work on Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare
Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare is set for further restoration thanks to an additional £62,120 grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, delivered by Historic England.
The new funding will support the conservation of the Grade II Listed entrance gates and turnstiles, as well as further work on the Grade II Listed Toll House and its extension, known locally as the ‘shell shop,’ on the southern side of the entrance.
Birnbeck Pier has been closed to the public since 1994, representing a long-standing symbol of Weston-super-Mare’s seaside heritage.
The restoration of the Toll House and shell shop is already underway.
Historic England’s vision
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, expressed enthusiasm for the project's progress.
“We’re delighted that further funding of £62,120 has been secured through the Heritage At Risk Capital Fund programme, to support the ongoing work at the Birnbeck Pier site," Brennan said.
She noted that the investment will enhance the restoration of the pier's turnstiles, upgrade the pier entrance, and enable crucial repairs and modifications to the southern toll house.
“These works are an important step in preserving the pier’s unique heritage while making the site safer and more accessible for future visitors."
Brennan emphasised the collaborative efforts with partners aiming to revitalise the landmark for the community.
The funding enables the council to appoint specialist contractors to restore the entrance gates and turnstiles and integrate significant design elements into the southern Toll House, honouring Eugenius Birch’s original design.