Grand Pier Latest News
Pier pavillion plans submitted to Council
08th December 2008
The owners of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare have today (December 8) submitted details of plans for a new pavilion to replace the one destroyed by fire in July.
Architects Angus Meek have developed their design to suit the detailed requirements of pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael who are keen to ensure that the new pier provides a world class, exciting visitor attraction for Weston-super-Mare while reflecting the tradition of a pier on a Victorian Sea Front.
The major enhancements from designs at concept stage are
The tower, similar to the ride at Sea World, Florida and other major theme parks, will enable 25 people at a time to have a panoramic rotating view of the town and the sea, in a ride that can be enjoyed by every member of the family
The four towers in the corners of the main pavilion will feature the very latest technology using LED low voltage lighting to provide a thrilling lighting scheme
The central canopy along the waist will include a “surf board” ride that will hold up to 20 people at a time and take them on a fun and enjoyable journey along the roof of the canopy. At the pavilion end of the pier it will feature a dragster ride that will use movement and simulators to give the more adventurous a ride travelling at 300 mph.
Kerry Michael said: “We have a unique opportunity to create something special to be enjoyed by both our visitors and locals alike.
“We have travelled extensively looking at options and we believe these rides and attractions will bring something new to Weston while retaining the atmosphere of a lively traditional pier that people want to promenade along and enjoy.
“The panorama tower will be a new focal point and will quickly become a landmark for the town.
North Somerset Council have worked alongside our design team and the access we have enjoyed to planners and all relevant agencies including the Environment Agency, Natural England and English Heritage, has enabled us to bring this major scheme forward in a very short timescale. We are very grateful for their support.
“We are also pleased that North Somerset Council have indicated they can bring our plans before the planning committee in March next year for a decision, so that we can open the new pier in time for summer 2010.”
Work doesn’t stop whilst the Council are going through their planning process. It has been identified that a number of new piles will be required and a lot of work is required on the sub structure. We will be applying this week for listed building consent so that these facilitation works can be completed before the main building contract begins.
We still have a very long way to go but we are determined to achieve our goals and provide the town with a world class facility in time for the summer season 2010.
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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.