Extra £62k makes more Birnbeck Pier landside restoration possible

North Somerset Council has received an additional £62,120 for further restoration of Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. This has been awarded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, delivered by Historic England.

This additional funding will pay for the initial conservation of the Grade II Listed entrance gates and turnstiles. It will also enable further work on the Grade II Listed Toll House and its extension, known locally as the ‘shell shop’, at the southern side of the entrance. This will include reinstating the flagpole and decorative edging around the Toll House roof.

Closed to the public since 1994, Birnbeck Pier has long been a symbol of Weston’s seaside heritage. Work to carefully restore the previously derelict Toll House and shell shop is already underway. 

Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, said:

“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. This additional investment will help fund the restoration of the historic turnstiles, improvements to the pier entrance, and essential 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. We’re proud to continue working alongside partners to bring this much-loved landmark back to life for the community.”

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, said:

“It’s great that Historic England has been able to top up our initial grant application. This additional money has allowed us to instruct specialist contractors to restore the entrance gates and turnstiles and install important design features on the southern Toll House to honour Eugenius Birch’s original design.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the flag flying at the entrance to the pier in celebration of work once it’s complete next summer.”

To find out more about the Birnbeck Pier project, visit the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/BirnbeckPierProject.