Restoration of Birnbeck Pier moves forward with works starting this week
Specialist contractors begin preparatory work on the historic structure
Last updated 20th Feb 2026
Work to restore Birnbeck Pier is moving ahead, with North Somerset Council’s contractor Mackley starting preparations on-site this week.
From Monday 2nd February, Mackley will begin preparing for works on the pier structure, starting with site setup on the promenade next to the pier and in the closed Birnbeck Pier car park on Birnbeck Road.
Preparatory work and phased restoration
Initial work on the pier includes installing temporary access for workers to the shoreline, masonry repairs on either side of the structure, and removing loose timber decking. Scaffolding will be set up around the trestle legs, with the innermost bays rebuilt.
Key heavy equipment is scheduled to arrive in the coming months, including a 100-tonne crane and Long Reach excavator by mid-February, followed later this year by a cherry picker and a larger crane (160 tonnes) brought in by barge from Wales for pier repairs.
In mid-May, a 650-tonne mobile crane is expected to get on site to install the first deck spans.
Landside restoration progressing
Local contractor Smith and Brenson is continuing repairs and renovations on the landside of the pier. This includes securing essential services, repairing the island sea wall, and stabilisation of landmark features such as the clock tower pavilion and 1888 boathouse, the latter completed in works carried out in 2024.
Funding and timeline
The pier restoration project, expected to be completed by summer 2027, has been made possible by over £20 million of external funding. This includes £15,544,799 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and contributions from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the UK government and Historic England.
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Birnbeck Project, said:
“This is the next exciting step in Birnbeck Pier’s restoration. Our contractor Mackley is about to start restoring the pier itself and will be setting up onsite on the promenade next to the Pier and in Birnbeck Pier car park, which will be closed to the public. The pier works are expected to be completed by summer 2027. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience whilst restoration works are underway.”
Andy Bosman, Project Manager at Mackley, said:
“We’re pleased to be working on the restoration of Birnbeck Pier, a nationally significant historic structure. The early stages of the project will focus on site set-up and preparatory activities, with works carefully planned around weather, tides and the constraints of the marine environment. Birnbeck Pier is a complex heritage asset, and we’ll be taking a phased and considered approach as the project progresses, working closely with North Somerset Council to help secure the long-term future of this iconic landmark.”