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Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “£19m is a game-changing amount of money – I can’t underestimate what today’s announcement means. Not only is it great news for our project to restore Birnbeck Pier but this will boost growth and create a more prosperous future for local people.
“The additional funding will enable us to carry out work to buildings on the landside and island and we hope will also fulfil our ambition to restore the north jetty. This will bring the Grade II* Listed pier site fully back to life as a heritage and visitor attraction of significant national importance.
“I’d like to thank our local MP, Dan Aldridge, for pushing hard to secure this extra funding. I worked closely with Dan to promote this bid and he has always supported our vision for Birnbeck Pier. I’m sure his passion for our community made every difference in convincing ministers to support our project.
“Well done to our team for the part they played in assisting with the funding bid. They are working hard to ensure rapid delivery. Additional work on the landside will be carried out first by our contractor Smith & Brenson, who is already on site. Work to repair and renovate the island buildings and the north jetty is expected to follow once access is available along the pier.”
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Birnbeck project, added: “Work is continuing at pace to restore the pier itself, with lots of activity on site led by our contractor Mackley. Once this is completed, I look forward to the delivery of the next exciting phase of work. Thank you again to residents and businesses for their support and cooperation whilst this work is undertaken.”
The project to restore Birnbeck Pier and Island, has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, RNLI, UK government, National Heritage Memorial Fund and Historic England.
This latest award brings the total of external funding secured for the restoration of the Birnbeck Pier structure to over £44m, reflecting the national significance of the project. This funding is provided specifically for this project and can’t be used it for any other purpose such as adult social care, children’s services or road maintenance.
Find out more about the Birnbeck Pier project at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/BirnbeckPierProject.