Bournemouth Pier restoration delayed until 2028 after council fails to secure contractor
Major restoration works to one of Bournemouth’s most recognisable landmarks have been pushed back yet again after the council failed to find a suitable contractor for the £9.6 million project
Plans to repair and strengthen Bournemouth Pier are now expected to be completed in early 2028, according to the latest update from BCP Council.
The project forms a central part of a £19.9 million package awarded to the council in March 2023 through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Nearly half of that funding, £9.6 million, has been allocated to repairing and future-proofing the historic pier.
Restoration works will include structural concrete repairs, installation of an impressed current cathodic protection system to prevent corrosion and the removal of ageing timber landing stages.
Once completed, the upgrades are expected to extend the pier’s lifespan by at least 25 years.
However, the project has faced repeated delays. Work was originally scheduled to begin in winter 2024 before being pushed back in early 2025, when the council suggested construction could start in late 2025 or early 2026.
The latest timetable now places the start of works in autumn 2026, with construction expected to take around 18 months.
Councillor Richard Herrett said the delay followed a failed tender process: “Our initial tender for the works to restore Bournemouth Pier closed at the end of September 2025, with no suitable bids received.
“Through this process we did gain valuable feedback on the project, which has informed the revised tender that will be advertised shortly.
“Subject to tender returns, we hope to start work in the autumn and complete within 18 months.”
Despite the setback, the council has said the delay will not affect the funding allocated to the project.
Heritage groups say the investment remains vital for one of the town’s biggest attractions.
Tim Wardley, chairman of the National Piers Society, said specialist engineering expertise was essential for such a complex structure.
“The National Piers Society is pleased to see the investment in Bournemouth Pier, which is one of the town’s primary tourist attractions,” he said.
Wardley added that maintaining public access during construction would be crucial, allowing businesses on the pier to continue operating while the landmark is restored for the future.