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Birnbeck Pier
Our bid for an additional £5.54 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Birnbeck Pier has been successful.
The announcement, made at our Full Council meeting last month, means the long-awaited restoration of the much-loved “old pier” can now move forward. Councillors, who were informed of the good news just ahead of the meeting, voted in favour of awarding the restoration contract.
This comes after months of uncertainty following the RNLI’s withdrawal from the project earlier this year, which left a major funding gap and put the future of the pier in jeopardy.
Now, with renewed backing from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have awarded the contract to Mackley, a specialist civil engineering firm known for its expertise in marine and heritage restoration projects. The company was selected following a competitive tender process that ran between January and April 2025, attracting four bids.
The Grade II* Listed pier — the only pier in the country linking directly to an island — features 15 sets of cast iron trestles topped with a wooden deck, complete with bench seating and lighting.
Thanks to this latest award, the total support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund now stands at £15.5 million, including £10 million granted in October 2024. With additional funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the UK Government, and Historic England, the total investment that we’ve secured for Birnbeck Pier exceeds £20 million — a powerful vote of confidence in its future.
Councillors have also committed capital funding to cover contingency risks, ensuring the project’s delivery is both responsible and sustainable.
Meanwhile, work on the landside phase of the project — led by Bristol-based Smith and Brenson — is progressing well.
You can find out more on our website.
Grove Park
Work began in September at Grove Park as part of our mission to enhance Weston’s most loved town-centre green space.
Following an open procurement process, John West Contractors, based in Weston, were appointed to carry out the works. The improvements include:
- A redesigned main entrance with new planting, seating, resurfacing and signage
- A sustainable drainage system
- Removal of the existing public toilet block
- Construction of a new, accessible toilet block with baby changing facilities near the café.
The project is set for completion by spring 2026.
For safety, certain areas of the park will close temporarily during works, and some parking bays in Grove Park car park will be suspended as needed. Please follow all signage and barriers when in place.
Find out more on our website.
Marine Lake
A wave of improvements started this month at Weston’s Marine Lake to add more enhancements to this much-loved tidal attraction.
The lake has been drained, and is temporarily closed to the public, so that work can be carried out safely.
Weston based firm EJ McGrath Construction has been appointed to deliver the improvements, which include:
- Upgraded signage and a new welcome sign
- A new concession and equipment hire facility
- More public toilets, including an accessible cubicle, with direct entry from the promenade
- Cycle racks and improved accessibility via repaired steps, ramps, and handrails
- Repairs to the lower walkway and the Madeira Gardens pavilion roof.
The project will be completed by spring 2026.
While the public toilets in “The Cove” are now closed, the RNLI shop and visitor centre in the central section of the building remain open.
Learn more on our website.