A £5.54m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to North Somerset Council to restore the Grade II* listed Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare, adding to a previous £10m grant from October last year. The funding aims to secure the future of the unique Victorian pier, the only one in the UK connecting to an island, which has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register since 1998.
Designed by Eugenius Birch and opened in 1867, Birnbeck Pier was a beloved destination for day-trippers until its closure in 1994 due to safety concerns from years of neglect under private ownership. The new grant will focus on restoring the pier’s bridge, a critical step in the broader restoration project to make the site safe and accessible again.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasised the pier’s significance.
She said: “Birnbeck Pier is a unique part of our coastal heritage that has been at risk for over 25 years.
“This additional grant reflects our commitment to saving heritage and investing in the communities it belongs to. The restoration is a transformational project for Weston-super-Mare, enhancing its cultural and economic landscape for future generations.”
The project is expected to play a pivotal role in regenerating Weston-super-Mare, creating lasting benefits for local communities. Local efforts have been instrumental in driving the restoration forward.
Ms McGuinness praised the “energy and commitment of local people and organisations” in securing the pier’s future.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, expressed gratitude for the funding.
He said: “This lifeline has saved the day. Without it, the future of Birnbeck Pier would have been in real danger.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now press on with plans to restore this extraordinary part of our coastal heritage.”
The restoration aligns with the Heritage Fund’s Heritage 2033 strategy, which prioritises saving at-risk heritage. Since 1994, the Fund has invested £3.4bn in over 10,600 heritage projects across the UK.
The collaborative effort involves North Somerset Council, Historic England, and the UK Government to ensure Birnbeck Pier’s sustainable future as a cherished landmark.
