Restoration work on North Somerset’s Birnbeck Pier set to begin
Car park closure announced as preparations start for major refurbishment project
Last updated 20th Feb 2026
Restoration work on Birnbeck Pier in North Somerset is set to begin on Monday, 2nd February, with the pier’s car park closing on the same day to ensure safety during the project.
The work, led by civil engineering specialist contractor Mackley, is part of a multimillion-pound project to restore the historic structure, which dates back to the Victorian era.
Preparations are already underway, with double-stacked office cabins arriving next week. A 100-tonne Long Reach excavator is scheduled to be delivered by mid-February, followed by a 100-tonne crane to start work on the pier's foreshore and first structural repairs.
Initial phases of work
Early restoration activities include installing temporary worker access to the shoreline and carrying out masonry repairs along the pier structure. Loose materials, such as timber decking, will be removed, and scaffolding will be put up around the pier’s trestle legs. By mid-May, a 650-tonne crane will be used to install the first deck spans.
Additional equipment, including a larger crane weighing 160 tonnes, is expected to arrive from Wales later in the year, delivered by barge.
Restoration funding
The project is supported by £15,544,799 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and contributions from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, UK government, and Historic England, bringing the total funding for the restoration to over £20 million.
Speaking about the project, 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.”
Long-term conservation
The restoration of the pier will be conducted with a phased approach due to the complex nature of the structure and its marine environment. Andy Bosman, Project Manager at Mackley, said: “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.”
Works have already been carried out on the landside of the pier. Construction company Smith and Brenson have repaired landside buildings, set up infrastructure, and supported the site. Stabilisation work has also been completed on key features such as the 1888 boathouse and the clock tower pavilion in 2024.
For further updates about the project, visit the council’s information hub next to the pier or the webpage here.