Birnbeck Pier - Friends Of The Old Pier Society

Welcome

The Friends of the Old Pier Society is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1996 to save the magnificent Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. Designed by legendary pier builder Eugenius Birch and opened in 1867, the pier is unique since it's the only British pier that links the mainland with an island. Sadly, the pier has been closed to the public since 1994 and is included on the 'At Risk' Register compiled by English Heritage. The pier was purchased on 13 July 2023 by North Somerset Council who took ownership of the Pier.

Membership is open to everyone – whether you're a Westonian, an exiled Westonian, just have a soft spot for the town, a pier buff or simply someone who cares about the nation's heritage - with discounted rates available for senior citizens and students, and group subscriptions on offer for families and businesses. The society is headed by a committee of nine members, of differing ages, backgrounds and experience... but all with one thing in common – wanting to see Birnbeck Pier restored and reopened. Members receive three professionally-produced magazines per year – featuring the latest developments in the battle to save the pier, as well as happy memories from years gone by - and are invited to attend the society's Annual General Meeting in November.

Latest News

On 13th July 2023 CNM Estates sold the site for £400,000 to North Somerset Council.

Working with North Somerset Council and Birnbeck Regeneration Trust we have managed to secure the loan of a steel 'Portakabin' which is enabling us to have a Visitors Hub on the Esplanade close to our former Pier View premises.

An area of the island will be leased to the RNLI to build a new lifeboat station. It is hoped that the RNLI will be able to start work as soon as possible on the renovation and restoration of the bridge so that they can again access the island and resume operations from there.

Some previous updates from recent years - Posted with kind permission of Weston Mercury

Mercury Feb 13 2020

Mercury Feb 13 2020 - Continued

Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 2020

Photos: ©Andrew Mason

Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020	Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020	Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020	Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020
Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020	Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020	Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020	Damage from Storm Ciara Feb 13 2020

North Somerset Council

Executive meeting Wednesday 5 February 2020 2.30pm Discussing Birbeck's future and CPO

Press Release:

Posted with kind permission of Weston Mercury and Weston Vision. (30 January 2020)

News Release Weston Mercury Jan 30 2020

News Release Weston Mercury Jan 30 2020 - Continued

Weston Vision Works Order 2020

Bequest

Once you've looked after your family and friends, please consider leaving a legacy to the Friends of the Old Pier Society. Solicitors, Will Writers or many High Street banks can help you with this.

Buy

New! Society Memo Set - Friends of the Old Pier Society pocket-size memo set. Order here - only £6.25 inc. P&P.
'Birnbeck Pier – A Short History' now available Order here - only £7.20 inc. P&P.

Donate

Whether just a few quid, or a few hundred, all donations are gratefully received. Donate now using our secure PayPal facility.

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Join

Membership is open to all, great value and keeps you abreast of all the latest developments. Join now with PayPal (payments initially go to our Magazine Editor's PayPal account).

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