UK National Lottery saves historic pier

Garance Limouzy November 4, 2024

SiGMA news

UK National Lottery saves historic pier

The UK’s National Lottery Heritage Fund has stepped up to save a piece of British history, announcing a generous £10 million grant to rescue the iconic Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. Once bustling with tourists, paddle steamers, and even military experiments, the pier’s survival has been uncertain due to years of neglect.

Built in 1867 and designed by famed architect Eugenius Birch, Birnbeck Pier has long held a distinct place in British history. Known as the only UK pier that connects the mainland to an island, it provided ferry access to Birnbeck Island for over a century. Although the structure was officially closed to the public in 1994 after extensive wear, it remains one of Britain’s last surviving Grade II-listed piers and is marked on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

As North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell explained, the National Lottery funding will allow for the restoration of the 160-year-old landmark to its former glory. “With this invaluable support, we can ensure the legacy of Birnbeck Pier endures for future generations,” he stated, expressing gratitude toward National Lottery players who made the project possible.

***Birnbeck Pier historical photo. Source: National Piers Society.***

Restoring local pride

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support is not just about repairing a piece of Victorian engineering; it’s also about revitalising Weston-super-Mare’s economy. Eilish McGuinness, CEO of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, stressed the impact of the restoration on the community. “This is more than a restoration; it’s about creating a source of pride and a renewed tourist attraction that will benefit both Weston-super-Mare and the wider area,” McGuinness noted, pointing out that the project aligns with the Lottery’s commitment to supporting historical and cultural preservation.

Birnbeck Pier is no stranger to historical significance. In the 20th century, it served as a boarding point for paddle steamers navigating the Bristol Channel, and during World War II, it hosted trials for the legendary “bouncing bomb” used in the Dambusters raid.

Grand reopening in 2027

With a target to complete the restoration by 2027, North Somerset Council is also seeking additional funds to ensure that not only the pier but also the surrounding island buildings and infrastructure are fully revived. This grand vision is expected to boost tourism and restore Weston-super-Mare’s allure as a top coastal destination, adding a renewed vitality to a town that has grappled with its shifting identity.

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