Birnbeck Pier, a Grade-II listed structure in Weston-super-Mare that has been closed to the public for 30 years, is now undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration project. The pier, which opened in 1867 and operated for 127 years, was shut down in 1994 due to safety concerns. It is the only pier in the United Kingdom that connects to an island—Birnbeck Island, a small rocky outcrop.
Historical Significance and Wartime Use
During World War II, the island was taken over by the Admiralty and used as a secret base for weapons testing. After the war, the pier reopened but never regained its pre-war popularity, passing through several private owners. Lack of maintenance led to its closure in 1994, and since 1998, it has been listed on the National Heritage at Risk Register.
Restoration Funding and Progress
North Somerset Council purchased the pier, and restoration plans, first proposed in 2006, have finally begun thanks to £5.5 million from the National Lottery. Additionally, in 2026, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, delivered by Historic England, awarded a further £62,120. 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."
Future Plans
The restoration aims to reopen the pier to the public in the coming years, restoring a key piece of seaside heritage. The pier's unique link to Birnbeck Island also holds potential for tourism and community use.
