28th July 2008

The historic 104 year old Grand Pier Pavilion of Weston-super-Mare was destroyed by a devastating fire on the morning July 28th.

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North Somerset Museum

The Grand Pier Fire Exhibition

Visit the North Somerset Museum's new display, The Grand Pier Fire Exhibition. A special exhibition, created in partnership with the Grand Pier, on the devastating fire of 28 July and its impact, featuring items recovered from the site, including fused coins, melted bins and damaged trophies, as well as a history of the pier and dramatic pictures from the fire. The display will develop and change as more material is salvaged.

North Somerset Museum
Burlington Street
Weston-super-Mar,
Somerset
BS23 1PR

Tel: 01934 621028

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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.

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Grand Pier Press Releases

1st August 2008

Issued jointly by The Grand Pier, North Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The landward end of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare was reopened yesterday morning at 9am.

Throughout the day, thousands of visitors took the opportunity to visit the pier and view the twisted remains of the pavilion at close quarters.

Work on establishing the cause of the fire continues.

Safety remains the paramount issue and security personnel are patrolling the safety zone to ensure the public remain outside the fenced-off area.

30th July 2008

Issued jointly by The Grand Pier, North Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Following the fire at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare on Monday 28 July work at the site will again today focus on protecting the safety of both the site inspectors and the public.

Safety remains of paramount concern as heavy materials continue to fall constantly from the pier structure.

The exclusion zone will be reinforced today with an additional fenced cordoned area erected within the existing one. Police and security guards will remain at the site to ensure the security of the dangerous environment and protect the public.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have also offered on-site support and will be installing a ‘marine boom’ which is a floating structure designed to contain debris from the pier and prevent it from being carried away on the tides.

While the integrity of the pier structure has now been assured for those responsible for inspecting the site, more extensive structural surveys will be needed in due course before plans for rebuilding the pavilion building can progress.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.

The Grand Pier will re-open tomorrow (Thursday) all outlets at the shore end as well as the waist (deck) from where visitors will be able to see the effects of this tragic fire at first hand.

The Grand Pier would also like to reiterate their sponsorship of the Red Arrows will continue and they look forward to welcoming them to Weston-super-Mare on the 27th August.

28th July 2008

Issued by Kerry & Michelle Michael

When we purchased the Grand Pier in February of this year we regarded ourselves as custodians rather than owners, just looking after it for future generations to enjoy.

For this tragic event to have taken place during our watch is truly devastating.

I feel very sorry for our dedicated staff, many of who have been on the pier all of their working lives.

They treasured the pier, in particular the main pavilion, and I don’t know how they will come to terms with its sad loss.

I feel very sorry for the people of Weston. The pier was Weston and Weston was the pier.

We will work tirelessly to restore this magnificent structure to its former glory

Kerry Michael

In these difficult economic times, I sincerely hope this event doesn’t bring further hardship to those businesses and people who rely on our tourist trade.

I would like to assure all these people I have mentioned as well as any others that may be affected that we will work tirelessly to restore this magnificent structure to its former glory.

Weston is a tourist town and I am sure the re-development of the seafront and surrounding area will continue in earnest and our town and our visitors will continue to enjoy its resources for many years to come.

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© 2008 Grand Pier Limited - All Rights Reserved.

Photography Accredited to Mark The Photographer