Contractor sought to restore Birnbeck Pier structure

The Grade II* Listed structure, the only pier in the country to link to an island, consists of 15 sets of cast iron trestles, topped with a wooden deck with bench seating and lighting.

A planning application and associated Listed Building Consent application, submitted by the RNLI to North Somerset Council’s planning department in September 2024, is currently being considered. This application sets out the extent of the work required, which includes:

• Making good the pier trestles
• Replacing the pier lattice and associated structural beams
• Installing new pier bracing, a new pier deck, new bench seating and handrails, lighting to the pier bridge structure
• Provision of service ducts essential for utilities on the island.
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This specialist work requires prospective contractors to have extensive experience and expertise of working in a marine environment and with heritage structures.

The publication of the open tender follows an agreement reached between the council and the RNLI, which would see the council acting as sole employer for this contract to restore the pier structure. This was unanimously approved by full council in November 2024.

This phase of the project has been made possible thanks to £10m in funding awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in October 2024, added to funding previously secured from the RNLI, National Heritage Memorial Fund, the UK government and Historic England.

None of North Somerset Council’s own capital funds have been used or committed to the Birnbeck Pier restoration capital project. It is wholly funded by external funding obtained by the council.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member responsible for placemaking, said: “This is an important milestone in the restoration of the much-loved Birnbeck Pier. The contract presents a fantastic opportunity to play a key part in this unique heritage project, and I encourage contractors with the necessary credentials to register their interest by Friday 25 April.

“Progressing to procurement does not commit us to entering the final contract for construction, which would be subject to a further council decision and agreement by all funding partners. However, it allows officers to get a much fuller and robust understanding of detailed construction requirements, costs and risks, prior to a final, informed decision being made.

“I’m pleased to see this work being delivered at pace and alongside other procurement for the landside buildings contract. We have a long way to go but I’m pleased with progress so far. I’m sure many locals will join me in feeling a huge sense of relief when they look at Birnbeck Pier now that the physical emergency and safety work has been completed, as well as excitement for what’s to come.

“The programme is set to see massive investment in our town, which has only been possible thanks to the valued support from external funders. I would also like to thank the local people who continue to support and contribute to these projects, including the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust and Friends of the Old Pier Society.”

The opportunity is being advertised on the UK government’s Find a Tender website and on the council’s procurement portal. Contractors interested in downloading the tender pack and expressing an interest should visit www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk. The reference is DN758608. The deadline for responses is Friday 25 April at 1pm.

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