Grand Pier Architect's Short-Listed
Two architectural practices have been short-listed, from an original line up of six, to redesign Weston-super-Mare’s historic Pavilion which was destroyed by fire in late July.
Pier owners today met with representatives from Bristol based Angus Meek and Ray Hole architects of London. They have each been asked to refine their ideas and present a final version of their schemes for a head to head showdown.
These two designs are the preferred options of Kerry and Michelle Michael and they also emerged as the front runners in the public consultation exercise which ran last week in the town’s Winter Gardens.
Angus Meek’s design is a glass-fronted pavilion surrounded by four tall corner cylinders and a walkway around the entire building. It also features a wave-shaped under cover walkway along the waist of the pier.
Ray Hole’s design is of a modern metal dome-like design on two levels, with glass windows and a glass-encased walkway from the shore.
Kerry Michael said: “All the architects’ submissions were impressive and they have all put a tremendous amount of work into their designs. We would like to thank every one of them for their efforts.
“What we have had to do now is to look at the practicalities and costings of the proposals, as well as take into consideration what they look like.
“Angus Meek’s submission complied with all our brief requirements and is the most traditional in appearance, with corner towers which sympathise with the old Pavilion.
“Ray Hole’s design is a lightweight structure that can be delivered to site without requiring large cranes and lifting equipment and has been costed within our specified budget”.
The final winner of the competition to redesign the Pavilion will be chosen within the next two weeks and Kerry said he would like to see a full planning application submitted to North Somerset Council before Christmas.
Short-Listed Design Proposals
Angus Meek Proposal
The design for the new pavilion has drawn inspiration from a wide range of sources which reflect the excitement of seaside entertainment, forms which relate to a marine location and the attractions of time spent for pleasure.The traditional pier usually comprises a balanced, composed pavilion often with corner towers - the ‘iconic’ image of a pier.
Ray Hole Proposal
The architectural inspiration for our new design has come from the previous pier pavilions - effectively a modern version of the previous pier. The new design philosophy proposes a building with an optimum area of external 'skin' defined by rationalisation of the previous buildings envelope.
The corner towers have been similarly informed by the previous pier but with functionality and visitor experience.
Can You Help Us?
Pictures, stories, memorabilia, ideas?
A huge collection of the Grand Pier's history was lost in the Pavilion fire and we would like replace as much as we can. If you have any pictures, stories or memorabilia regarding the Grand Pier, old or new we would be extremely grateful if you could get in touch. Please call or email us via the contact page.