THE seaside town of Weston-super-Mare is set to get a makeover, but some of the works have been put on pause.
Part of the £20million work for the town includes the restoration of the historic Birnbeck Pier, but it’s been reported that these may no longer go ahead.
Birnbeck Pier has been closed since 1994 and it was set to reopen with new plans[/caption]
A key backer has since pulled out leaving the plans on pause[/caption]
The BBC has reported that a key backer of the pier restoration, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), has pulled out of the deal.
Under the original plans, the RNLI would have established a new base on the pier and had committed to raising £5million towards the cost, according to the council.
But in June, the RNLI pulled out because of viability concerns.
Councillors have been recommended by council officers to close the current restoration project on September 16, 2025.
Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare has been closed to the public since 1994 and is the only one in the UK that links the mainland to an island.
However, it’s not the only pier in the seaside town as it still has its Grand Pier which remains open to the public.
The Grand Pier officially opened to the public on June 11, 1904 and had an extension the following year.
For visitors, entry to the pier costs £2, and locals can get free entry all year round.
There are lots of rides and attractions on the pier, including the House of Horrors, Freefall and Go Karts.
There are a number of events too like Sunset Sessions, Moonlight Beach Walk, Halloween Family Party and firework shows.
Weston-super-Mare has its Grand Pier with lots of attractions and events[/caption]
The seaside town is going through lots of restoration work[/caption]
Other parts of the restoration works in Weston-super-Mare include reopening the Old Town Quarry.
It’s been closed since 2023, but and work is underway to turn it into an event space for performances.
According to GOV.UK, the town’s 19th century Grove Park could be revamped.
Currently there are gardens, woodland walks, rock gardens, ponds and a children’s play area.
Plans for the park include redesigning the main entrance with new seating and adding new toilets.
The Tropicana event space will be transformed to become a venue with a capacity for 8,000 people, including better food and drink spots.
Marine Lake, which is situated between the two piers, is also being revamped with work expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Birnbeck Pier was set to be upgraded but a key backer has pulled out[/caption]