The Grand Pier Pavilion re-build continues at pace with this week seeing the cladding to the southern elevation being completed, the northern elevation more than half way complete and work has also started on cladding the towers. Also, the roof is almost completely covered with the 'under sheet' that sits beneath the final waterproof sheeting of the main roofs.
The metal floors creating the first and second levels are in place and ready for the concrete to be poured early in the New Year.
Kerry Michael said, 'we are pleased with the progress we are making however we have slipped a little due to the adverse weather throughout December. We are hopeful to make up any lost time as soon as the building is fully enclosed and in the dry. It's taking shape now and for the first time you can see the outline and scale of the new Pavilion. The response from the public has been fantastic as the building goes up and we are all very encouraged by the support we are receiving'.
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Tuesday 22 December 2009
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Re-build is Racing Ahead!
The Grand Pier re-build is racing ahead. Most of the structural steelwork for the Main Pavilion has now been erected and contractors are starting on the new building which is going on the Pier head. The large steel panels that cover the entire surface area of the Pavilion creating the new floor have also now been installed.
The first roof sheets are going on and cladding has started to the north elevation. Progress with this should significantly increase this week as a number of additional staff have been drafted in to speed up the build. The front of the new building has been scaffolded to facilitate access.
Pier owner Kerry Michael said, ‘although contractors have been working for most of this year, their work was mostly beneath the deck and it’s only now that the building is springing up above the deck that people can actually see what’s happening.
We are receiving hundreds of letters and emails every week and the web cam hits are growing every single day so people are really noticing what’s going on. We expect to carry on making good progress and we are confident of achieving our opening date, the only threat is the weather but the last few days have been good for us.
For the latest images, please see our Facebook Gallery: November 2009
Also, please check out our new webcam: Located HERE
The first roof sheets are going on and cladding has started to the north elevation. Progress with this should significantly increase this week as a number of additional staff have been drafted in to speed up the build. The front of the new building has been scaffolded to facilitate access.
Pier owner Kerry Michael said, ‘although contractors have been working for most of this year, their work was mostly beneath the deck and it’s only now that the building is springing up above the deck that people can actually see what’s happening.
We are receiving hundreds of letters and emails every week and the web cam hits are growing every single day so people are really noticing what’s going on. We expect to carry on making good progress and we are confident of achieving our opening date, the only threat is the weather but the last few days have been good for us.
For the latest images, please see our Facebook Gallery: November 2009
Also, please check out our new webcam: Located HERE
Wednesday 11 November 2009
Creative thinking needed to solve Grand Pier challenges
How do you get a 60 tonne crane onto a jack up barge that is 240m out to sea and is 30 times too heavy to move down the Pier?
You build a ramp, 20 metres long and 3 metres high out of sand to allow the crane to drive from the last point of the shore that it can reach, to the barge.
The new “jack-up” barge was tested this week to make sure that it can be properly secured in the Weston mud. With this test successfully passed, the ramp will now be created with 2 diggers and 2 dumpers taking sand from inside the Grand Pier fence line. After the crane has reached the safety of the barge, the sand will be replaced.
Joint owner of the Pier Kerry Michael said: “This is one of many creative solutions that we have had to come up with to solve the challenges that are created in building this extraordinary Pier. I’m sure there will be many more improvisations before we are finished!”
Richard Sutton is the Senior Contracts Manager for main contractor John Sisk. He said: “We have checked with Natural England about moving the sand and they have given us the all clear as there will be no problem or harm to the environment. The ramp was the quickest method to put the crane on the barge.”
You build a ramp, 20 metres long and 3 metres high out of sand to allow the crane to drive from the last point of the shore that it can reach, to the barge.
The new “jack-up” barge was tested this week to make sure that it can be properly secured in the Weston mud. With this test successfully passed, the ramp will now be created with 2 diggers and 2 dumpers taking sand from inside the Grand Pier fence line. After the crane has reached the safety of the barge, the sand will be replaced.
Joint owner of the Pier Kerry Michael said: “This is one of many creative solutions that we have had to come up with to solve the challenges that are created in building this extraordinary Pier. I’m sure there will be many more improvisations before we are finished!”
Richard Sutton is the Senior Contracts Manager for main contractor John Sisk. He said: “We have checked with Natural England about moving the sand and they have given us the all clear as there will be no problem or harm to the environment. The ramp was the quickest method to put the crane on the barge.”
Read All About It
The story of Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier will start unfolding along the seafront hoardings surrounding the Pier’s building site from next Thursday (12th November). The 180 square meters of hoardings are currently painted white but soon will show a complete time-line of the Pier, following its history from the original opening in 1904 to the present day.
Pier Owner Kerry Michael said: “These barren hoardings will soon be brought to life. The design is packed with information, facts and figures, photographs, history and fun. It will make the walk along that part of the seafront more interesting as there will be something for everyone to enjoy. A special children’s area has been created and “peep holes” will be cut into the design so everyone can see what is going on. We wanted the design up in time for the Carnival.”
The designs have been produced by the Grand Pier using its own archive material and items sent in from the public. Some reproductions, such as a front page of the Weston & Somerset Mercury showing pictures of the 2008 fire will also appear. The designs will be digitally printed on pvc banner material and produced in 10 ft lengths.
Pier Owner Kerry Michael said: “These barren hoardings will soon be brought to life. The design is packed with information, facts and figures, photographs, history and fun. It will make the walk along that part of the seafront more interesting as there will be something for everyone to enjoy. A special children’s area has been created and “peep holes” will be cut into the design so everyone can see what is going on. We wanted the design up in time for the Carnival.”
The designs have been produced by the Grand Pier using its own archive material and items sent in from the public. Some reproductions, such as a front page of the Weston & Somerset Mercury showing pictures of the 2008 fire will also appear. The designs will be digitally printed on pvc banner material and produced in 10 ft lengths.
Thursday 5 November 2009
Happy Birthday Grand Pier
The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare will quietly celebrate its 106th birthday on Saturday. On 7th November 1903 work started on the building of the original Grand Pier. The contractors were Mayoh & Haley of London. The celebration will be low-key because the focus of the company is directed completely towards the rebuilding.
The Grand Pier always has a bursting email box with followers from around the world. Recently received was an email from Anne Mayoh, the grand-daughter of Arthur Mayoh, of Mayoh & Haley. Anne is also the daughter of Karl Mayoh who worked on the Pier in 1931. She now lives in Australia.
Kerry Michael, owner of the Grand Pier said: “We were so pleased that Anne got in touch with us as we love receiving interesting items for our social history files. I have invited Anne and her husband to attend one of our opening events and I very much hope she will visit the new Pier and be impressed by our work.”
The Grand Pier always has a bursting email box with followers from around the world. Recently received was an email from Anne Mayoh, the grand-daughter of Arthur Mayoh, of Mayoh & Haley. Anne is also the daughter of Karl Mayoh who worked on the Pier in 1931. She now lives in Australia.
Kerry Michael, owner of the Grand Pier said: “We were so pleased that Anne got in touch with us as we love receiving interesting items for our social history files. I have invited Anne and her husband to attend one of our opening events and I very much hope she will visit the new Pier and be impressed by our work.”
Monday 26 October 2009
The Grand Pier moves into constructive phase
After £9 million has been spent on clearing the debris, driving in piles and making good the basic structure of the Pier, visible construction has now started.
In the last three weeks, approximately one third of the structural metal decking units have been laid. The metal decking units, made from polyurethane sandwiched in between 5mm steel sheets, are usually used in ship building. They are nearly 10 metres long and 2 metres wide and are being placed on to new structural steels to form the deck of the Pier’s new main pavilion.
The metal decking units have been manufactured in Holland and then shipped to Southampton where a special coating and paint is applied giving a minimum life span of at least 60 years and a minimum maintenance free period of 30 years.
Local company William Haley of East Brent is fabricating the steel structure for the new Pavilion and they are expected to start erecting it next week. The framework will be lifted into place by a 180 tonne crane that operates from a barge floating next to the Pier.
There is approximately 1,100 tonnes of steel in the new structure and project managers anticipate that they will be erecting more than 100 tonnes per week.
Photo shows: Aerial view of progress on the floor of the Pavilion
In the last three weeks, approximately one third of the structural metal decking units have been laid. The metal decking units, made from polyurethane sandwiched in between 5mm steel sheets, are usually used in ship building. They are nearly 10 metres long and 2 metres wide and are being placed on to new structural steels to form the deck of the Pier’s new main pavilion.
The metal decking units have been manufactured in Holland and then shipped to Southampton where a special coating and paint is applied giving a minimum life span of at least 60 years and a minimum maintenance free period of 30 years.
Local company William Haley of East Brent is fabricating the steel structure for the new Pavilion and they are expected to start erecting it next week. The framework will be lifted into place by a 180 tonne crane that operates from a barge floating next to the Pier.
There is approximately 1,100 tonnes of steel in the new structure and project managers anticipate that they will be erecting more than 100 tonnes per week.
Photo shows: Aerial view of progress on the floor of the Pavilion
Friday 16 October 2009
Weston on the map for trade visit
A record turn out of over 100 members of the UK’s largest leisure industry association representing commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos and static attractions sector visited the West Country yesterday.
BALPPA, the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions visited Wookey Hole, Bristol Zoo and Brean Leisure Park before moving onto Weston where the group has not been for over 17 years. In Weston, the members had a sumptuous 3-course lunch at the Thatched Cottage Restaurant on Weston super Mare's seafront and a presentation on the rebuilding of the Pier from Kerry Michael, joint owner of the Pier. The group then took a tour of the Pier building site.
He said: We were delighted to welcome major operators such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Drayton Manor Park and Crealey to our operation in Weston and I was particularly pleased with the support and encouragement we received for the rebuilding of the Grand Pier. We look forward to welcoming them back for the grand re-opening next July.
Colin Dawson, the Chief Executive of BALPPA said: “We had a fantastic meal at the Thatched Cottage and it was both exciting and encouraging to see the excellent work being progressed on The Grand Pier. There was a good turnout of members for the visit and over £2,500 was raised for a local charity, The Seashore Centre at Weston General Hospital. Our organisation speaks for over 300 members and we are currently lobbying government on a number of issues of importance to our Members including the introduction of Daylight Saving to allow an extra hour of usable daylight throughout the year which will provide an important boost to all UK tourism businesses.
Mumbles Pier owner John Bollom was in the BALPPA party. He said: “As a pier owner myself, I was amazed to see the speed and amount of work that has been carried out on Grand Pier in only 15 months since the tragic fire.
“Weston is lucky to have a pier owner that is able to mobilise the necessary resource for a project of this size so quickly. It must be difficult for an average person to appreciate the difficulties and problems in constructing a structure of this scale in such a hostile and awkward environment. In over 40 years involvement with seaside piers this is the largest single development I have witnessed. I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished result next July.”
Picture shows: BALPPA delegates on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
BALPPA, the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions visited Wookey Hole, Bristol Zoo and Brean Leisure Park before moving onto Weston where the group has not been for over 17 years. In Weston, the members had a sumptuous 3-course lunch at the Thatched Cottage Restaurant on Weston super Mare's seafront and a presentation on the rebuilding of the Pier from Kerry Michael, joint owner of the Pier. The group then took a tour of the Pier building site.
He said: We were delighted to welcome major operators such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Drayton Manor Park and Crealey to our operation in Weston and I was particularly pleased with the support and encouragement we received for the rebuilding of the Grand Pier. We look forward to welcoming them back for the grand re-opening next July.
Colin Dawson, the Chief Executive of BALPPA said: “We had a fantastic meal at the Thatched Cottage and it was both exciting and encouraging to see the excellent work being progressed on The Grand Pier. There was a good turnout of members for the visit and over £2,500 was raised for a local charity, The Seashore Centre at Weston General Hospital. Our organisation speaks for over 300 members and we are currently lobbying government on a number of issues of importance to our Members including the introduction of Daylight Saving to allow an extra hour of usable daylight throughout the year which will provide an important boost to all UK tourism businesses.
Mumbles Pier owner John Bollom was in the BALPPA party. He said: “As a pier owner myself, I was amazed to see the speed and amount of work that has been carried out on Grand Pier in only 15 months since the tragic fire.
“Weston is lucky to have a pier owner that is able to mobilise the necessary resource for a project of this size so quickly. It must be difficult for an average person to appreciate the difficulties and problems in constructing a structure of this scale in such a hostile and awkward environment. In over 40 years involvement with seaside piers this is the largest single development I have witnessed. I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished result next July.”
Picture shows: BALPPA delegates on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
Monday 12 October 2009
Churchill School visit
Five A2 level product design students from Churchill School received special permission to go onto the Grand Pier building site as background for their design projects. One of the students, Liam Barnett, is designing and making a bench and the other students are designing an educational wall display within the new soft-play area of the pier. The students and their teacher Mark Barham were joined by the Pier’s Marketing Manager Jane Owen and the Sisk Site Manager Terry Cotton. The blustery conditions made it difficult to handle the floor plans but the students got a close-up view of the construction work.
Our picture shows: (L to r) Terry Cotton, Sisk Site Manager; Jane Owen, Marketing Manager for The Grand Pier, and students Hannah Cannock, Amy Hutson, Amie Johnston, Sonny Davies and Liam Barnett.
Our picture shows: (L to r) Terry Cotton, Sisk Site Manager; Jane Owen, Marketing Manager for The Grand Pier, and students Hannah Cannock, Amy Hutson, Amie Johnston, Sonny Davies and Liam Barnett.
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Safe Have for Grand Pier barges
A new deep-water anchor site at Brean Down is being arranged for Weston’s Grand Pier barges so that they can take cover close by when bad weather threatens.
After the Force 8 gale predictions last weekend, the first barge was obliged to take cover in Cardiff Dock until the storm passed. The new deep water anchor will provide a safe haven for any barges that are working at the Pier should the weather turn bad again.
“It is imperative that we don’t lose too much time over the winter and this solution seems very sensible. We have a schedule to keep to and we have got to minimise the effects of the weather,” said Kerry Michael, joint owner of the Grand Pier.”
The second barge, with its 180 ton crane attachment, arrived at the Pier on Sunday along with the original barge that had fled to Cardiff for safety. The 2 barges are starting work laying the floor panels for the main Pavilion. This work will take several weeks and will be followed by the erection of the main steel structure.
After the Force 8 gale predictions last weekend, the first barge was obliged to take cover in Cardiff Dock until the storm passed. The new deep water anchor will provide a safe haven for any barges that are working at the Pier should the weather turn bad again.
“It is imperative that we don’t lose too much time over the winter and this solution seems very sensible. We have a schedule to keep to and we have got to minimise the effects of the weather,” said Kerry Michael, joint owner of the Grand Pier.”
The second barge, with its 180 ton crane attachment, arrived at the Pier on Sunday along with the original barge that had fled to Cardiff for safety. The 2 barges are starting work laying the floor panels for the main Pavilion. This work will take several weeks and will be followed by the erection of the main steel structure.
Thursday 1 October 2009
Grand Pier finds solution to latest weather problem
With force 8 gales predicted over the next few days, the first barge working on the Grand Pier will be moved today to Cardiff docks and return on Monday 5th October, weather permitting.
Although this will slow down the progress this week on the decking that is currently being laid, a solution has been found so that work will be able to press ahead and keep on track.
The mobilization of the third barge and crane is being brought forward and a more expensive option is being used. The new barge will be a “jack-up” barge and is less susceptible to weather conditions.
“We are pleased that our contractor, John Sisk & Son, is as determined as we are to open on time,” said Kerry Michael, joint Pier owner. “The new barge will be on site in a few weeks time and will be transported by road to Cardiff docks and towed from there.”
The second larger barge with the 180 ton crane is expected to arrive this Sunday 4th October.
New attractions on the pier will include a panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a smooth and spectacular ride up to obtain a 90 metre view of the town. Other 21st century rides will include a new Fun House, 2 level go-kart racing, a psychedelic experience and a laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back too along with fabulous food and new facilities for younger visitors.
Although this will slow down the progress this week on the decking that is currently being laid, a solution has been found so that work will be able to press ahead and keep on track.
The mobilization of the third barge and crane is being brought forward and a more expensive option is being used. The new barge will be a “jack-up” barge and is less susceptible to weather conditions.
“We are pleased that our contractor, John Sisk & Son, is as determined as we are to open on time,” said Kerry Michael, joint Pier owner. “The new barge will be on site in a few weeks time and will be transported by road to Cardiff docks and towed from there.”
The second larger barge with the 180 ton crane is expected to arrive this Sunday 4th October.
New attractions on the pier will include a panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a smooth and spectacular ride up to obtain a 90 metre view of the town. Other 21st century rides will include a new Fun House, 2 level go-kart racing, a psychedelic experience and a laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back too along with fabulous food and new facilities for younger visitors.
Monday 7 September 2009
The Grand Pier's got Talent!
When the WSM STREETFEST hits town on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September opposite the Tropicana, there will be plenty of scope to show off your dance moves. Even better, the winners of the dance competition will be performing at the opening of Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier in 2010. This exciting prize will bring the winners a huge opportunity to display their talents to a wide audience.
Pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael have promised a spectacular series of opening events that may last over several weeks. Kerry Michael said: “We are happy to support local talent and showcase it at our opening events. We can certainly give a guarantee that there will be a lot happening on the Grand Pier next summer.”
Britain’s Got Talent 2008 finalist NEMISIS will be performing at the WSM STREETFEST event on both days and there will be the chance to dance alongside them and learn some of their moves.
Pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael have promised a spectacular series of opening events that may last over several weeks. Kerry Michael said: “We are happy to support local talent and showcase it at our opening events. We can certainly give a guarantee that there will be a lot happening on the Grand Pier next summer.”
Britain’s Got Talent 2008 finalist NEMISIS will be performing at the WSM STREETFEST event on both days and there will be the chance to dance alongside them and learn some of their moves.
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Angle Ring supplies pipe clamps for Grand Pier
The Angle Ring Company has supplied purpose-made pipe clamps for the repair and refurbishment of the Grand Pier at Weston-Super-Mare.
The pipe clamps, manufactured for use with cast-iron or steel columns of 282-460mm (d), are being used on the cross-leg bracings.
The fabricated Angle Ring products are designed to be more robust and substantial than conventional pipe-clamp products which are available for this purpose.
They have been formed from 20mm mild steel plate, cut to 70 or 75mm widths, and supplied, shaped, drilled and bevelled to contractual requirements.
600 clamps have been supplied to date, with a further 870 on order or in production.
With either two or four clamps required at each clamping point (depending upon the column location), it is anticipated that further clamps will be required to facilitate full completion of repair work, which is designed to provide longevity to the pier, with a target of completion by June 2010.
Source: Manufacturing Talk
The pipe clamps, manufactured for use with cast-iron or steel columns of 282-460mm (d), are being used on the cross-leg bracings.
The fabricated Angle Ring products are designed to be more robust and substantial than conventional pipe-clamp products which are available for this purpose.
They have been formed from 20mm mild steel plate, cut to 70 or 75mm widths, and supplied, shaped, drilled and bevelled to contractual requirements.
600 clamps have been supplied to date, with a further 870 on order or in production.
With either two or four clamps required at each clamping point (depending upon the column location), it is anticipated that further clamps will be required to facilitate full completion of repair work, which is designed to provide longevity to the pier, with a target of completion by June 2010.
Source: Manufacturing Talk
Thursday 6 August 2009
The contractor to rebuild the new pavilion at Weston-super-Mare’s historic pier has been appointed.
With the piling work now complete and the enabling work to strengthen the pier structure progressing, John Sisk & Son will now start work as soon as possible to restore the historic tourist attraction that was burnt down in a devastating fire on 28 July 2008.
If work runs on schedule, the owners, Kerry and Michelle Michael, plan to reopen the pier in June 2010.
Kerry Michael, owner of the pier said: “Almost one year on from the fire we’re pleased to have appointed a contractor to rebuild the pavilion. Although the deadlines we have set are very tight I’m hopeful we can get the work complete on time ready for people to enjoy the new pier and all its attractions next summer.
"The Pier is a unique structure and building anything a quarter of a mile out to sea is a challenge for any contractor so we’ve had to be meticulous in our selection. I’m now looking forward to working with the Sisk team and making sure we deliver the World’s greatest pier on time and on budget.
“The aim is to be open at the end of June but if we have good weather this winter there is a chance we could complete earlier, conversely severe weather could still delay the project.”
"The design team have worked diligently and tirelessly to get us to this point so quickly, they have met the very stringent timescales we have set all the way through the project and I am delighted now to have reached the most exciting part when the building begins to take shape.
“I would like to thank everyone on the team for all their efforts to date and I look forward to continuing our work with them to restore this magnificent structure which I hope will be the catalyst for the re-generation of the whole town."
New attractions on the pier will include an 90 metre high panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a ride and spectacular view of the town; a new Fun House; Go-karts; surf board ride; psychedelic experience; Mirror Maze, robocoaster and laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back along with improvements, such as an Edwardian Tea Room and new facilities for younger visitors.
Sisk is a national building contractor with projects throughout the UK. It has its headquarters in Hertfordshire and a regional base in Avonmouth, Bristol. In the UK, Sisk has revenues of over £200 million and a staff of 400 people across its 6 business units.
Paul Wilson, managing director of Sisk said: “It is clear how devastating the fire has been, not just for the Pier but for the people of Weston-super-Mare who must have thought this was the end for their biggest tourist attraction.
“Sisk will restore the excitement and grandeur of the historic Pier but with 21st Century facilities for its visitors. We will use our building expertise on what is a major engineering challenge to rebuild the Grand Pier for the important tourist trade in summer 2010.”
If work runs on schedule, the owners, Kerry and Michelle Michael, plan to reopen the pier in June 2010.
Kerry Michael, owner of the pier said: “Almost one year on from the fire we’re pleased to have appointed a contractor to rebuild the pavilion. Although the deadlines we have set are very tight I’m hopeful we can get the work complete on time ready for people to enjoy the new pier and all its attractions next summer.
"The Pier is a unique structure and building anything a quarter of a mile out to sea is a challenge for any contractor so we’ve had to be meticulous in our selection. I’m now looking forward to working with the Sisk team and making sure we deliver the World’s greatest pier on time and on budget.
“The aim is to be open at the end of June but if we have good weather this winter there is a chance we could complete earlier, conversely severe weather could still delay the project.”
"The design team have worked diligently and tirelessly to get us to this point so quickly, they have met the very stringent timescales we have set all the way through the project and I am delighted now to have reached the most exciting part when the building begins to take shape.
“I would like to thank everyone on the team for all their efforts to date and I look forward to continuing our work with them to restore this magnificent structure which I hope will be the catalyst for the re-generation of the whole town."
New attractions on the pier will include an 90 metre high panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a ride and spectacular view of the town; a new Fun House; Go-karts; surf board ride; psychedelic experience; Mirror Maze, robocoaster and laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back along with improvements, such as an Edwardian Tea Room and new facilities for younger visitors.
Sisk is a national building contractor with projects throughout the UK. It has its headquarters in Hertfordshire and a regional base in Avonmouth, Bristol. In the UK, Sisk has revenues of over £200 million and a staff of 400 people across its 6 business units.
Paul Wilson, managing director of Sisk said: “It is clear how devastating the fire has been, not just for the Pier but for the people of Weston-super-Mare who must have thought this was the end for their biggest tourist attraction.
“Sisk will restore the excitement and grandeur of the historic Pier but with 21st Century facilities for its visitors. We will use our building expertise on what is a major engineering challenge to rebuild the Grand Pier for the important tourist trade in summer 2010.”
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Grand Pier - one year on
The first anniversary of the fire that destroyed Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier sees the structural rebuilding work completed and the pier now ready for its new pavilion to be created.
The devastating blaze on the morning of July 28, 2008 will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The pier fire made headlines all around the world with over three million people watching footage of the destruction online.
For pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael, the brother and sister who grew up opposite the pier, it was the most devastating day of their lives as they saw their business go up in smoke before their eyes.
Before the fire brigade had finished their work on the pier the owners had pledged that it would be rebuilt.
On the first anniversary that pledge is well on the way to being fulfilled with the completion of major structural and piling work that means the pier structure is now ready for the new pavilion to be created.
Planning permission has been achieved for the new 21st century pier that will reflect the traditions of the old pier and plans are in hand for the pier to reopen in time for the summer 2010 season.
Said Kerry Michael: “The piling work that had to be carried out to enable the new pavilion structure to be supported has now been completed. Work also had to be carried out on some areas of the superstructure that had been damaged by the fire and specialists have had to be sure that we could build the new pavilion on a structure designed 100 years ago.
“It has been a long, tough year and we have not had time to even think about what has been achieved so far. There is a long way to go and we won’t be happy until we open the gates for the first time to the first visitor and Weston has its pier back in place as the main focus of the Sea Front and a major attraction for the whole town.
“For the last few weeks we have been in detailed talks with a number of contractors who have responded to our tender for the main building work. We hope to appoint that contractor very soon and they will be working to a tight timetable.”
Michelle Michael said: “The reaction from the public was overwhelming and so many people have been in touch with us to say how much they love the pier and to say how much they want to see it back.
“They helped us to choose an exciting design for the new pavilion and we have been all over the world looking at rides and attractions for the new pier. There is still a massive amount of work to do but a year on we are well on track to have the best pier in the world opened next summer.”
New attractions on the pier will include a 90 metre high panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a ride and spectacular view of the town; a new Fun House; Go-karts; surf board ride; psychedelic experience; Mirror Maze robocoaster and laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back along with improvements, such as an Edwardian tea room and new facilities for the youngest visitors.
The devastating blaze on the morning of July 28, 2008 will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The pier fire made headlines all around the world with over three million people watching footage of the destruction online.
For pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael, the brother and sister who grew up opposite the pier, it was the most devastating day of their lives as they saw their business go up in smoke before their eyes.
Before the fire brigade had finished their work on the pier the owners had pledged that it would be rebuilt.
On the first anniversary that pledge is well on the way to being fulfilled with the completion of major structural and piling work that means the pier structure is now ready for the new pavilion to be created.
Planning permission has been achieved for the new 21st century pier that will reflect the traditions of the old pier and plans are in hand for the pier to reopen in time for the summer 2010 season.
Said Kerry Michael: “The piling work that had to be carried out to enable the new pavilion structure to be supported has now been completed. Work also had to be carried out on some areas of the superstructure that had been damaged by the fire and specialists have had to be sure that we could build the new pavilion on a structure designed 100 years ago.
“It has been a long, tough year and we have not had time to even think about what has been achieved so far. There is a long way to go and we won’t be happy until we open the gates for the first time to the first visitor and Weston has its pier back in place as the main focus of the Sea Front and a major attraction for the whole town.
“For the last few weeks we have been in detailed talks with a number of contractors who have responded to our tender for the main building work. We hope to appoint that contractor very soon and they will be working to a tight timetable.”
Michelle Michael said: “The reaction from the public was overwhelming and so many people have been in touch with us to say how much they love the pier and to say how much they want to see it back.
“They helped us to choose an exciting design for the new pavilion and we have been all over the world looking at rides and attractions for the new pier. There is still a massive amount of work to do but a year on we are well on track to have the best pier in the world opened next summer.”
New attractions on the pier will include a 90 metre high panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a ride and spectacular view of the town; a new Fun House; Go-karts; surf board ride; psychedelic experience; Mirror Maze robocoaster and laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back along with improvements, such as an Edwardian tea room and new facilities for the youngest visitors.
Thursday 11 June 2009
Photographer to Chronicle Pier Reconstruction
West Country photographer Chris Abbott has been given the task of recording the rebuilding of Weston's Grand Pier for posterity and appointed as the official photographer of the rebuild.
Chris, from Somerset, will be chronicling work on the £34 million reconstruction stage by stage until its completion in 2010.
He will be given unique access to the site by pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael to create a documentary record of the work.
Chris was selected after the pier owners interviewed several local photographers to find the right one to commission.
Work to rebuild the pier is on target with support piles for the attraction's new 85 metre observation tower currently being driven into the sea bed.
Father of two Chris, who studied photography at Bridgwater College, launched his business Chris Abbott Photography two years ago.
To find out more about Chris Abbott's work visit:
www.chrisabbottphotography.com
This is just a preview of Chris' work so far on the Pier, stay tuned for new photos of the latest building work!
Chris, from Somerset, will be chronicling work on the £34 million reconstruction stage by stage until its completion in 2010.
He will be given unique access to the site by pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael to create a documentary record of the work.
"I feel very privileged to be involved in this historic project. It's not everyone who gets to photograph a phoenix as she rises from the ashes."
Chris was selected after the pier owners interviewed several local photographers to find the right one to commission.
Michelle Michael said: "We simply liked Chris' work. We wanted someone that would capture the atmosphere of the rebuild as it is an event that will only happen once and we know that images will be so important to future generations.
"During the rebuild there may be opportunities to take pictures that people will be proud to hang on their wall as art and there will be events that show the people, equipment and work methods used.
"He has already captured some stunning images that show the massive piles that are being driven into the sea bed. This is the only time these will be seen on the surface and the pictures capture the scale of the work."
Work to rebuild the pier is on target with support piles for the attraction's new 85 metre observation tower currently being driven into the sea bed.
Father of two Chris, who studied photography at Bridgwater College, launched his business Chris Abbott Photography two years ago.
To find out more about Chris Abbott's work visit:
www.chrisabbottphotography.com
This is just a preview of Chris' work so far on the Pier, stay tuned for new photos of the latest building work!
Thursday 4 June 2009
Grand Pier rebuild back on track!
North Somerset Council and the Grand Pier Company have reached an agreement on a number of issues related to the redevelopment of the attraction.
Since last week when news first broke that there was a problem, the two sides have met every day and negotiated an agreement that means the £34million project will continue in earnest.
Grand Pier co-owner, Kerry Michael said: "We are grateful to the Leader of the Council who personally took control of the negotiations. We have worked through the issues to reach a solution which is acceptable to all. Once the key decision makers were all together, we very quickly reached agreement and after that it was just a matter of putting the relevant professionals together to formalise the agreement.
“All we want to do is to get on with the re-building of the Grand Pier, a project which we hope will be the catalyst for the continuing regeneration of the town."
Cllr Nigel Ashton, Leader of North Somerset Council, added: "Following the fire last year which destroyed the pavilion we have worked closely with the owners and will continue to offer our support to them in their efforts to re-build the attraction."
This means that work on the redevelopment of the Pier can progress as planned and on time in accordance with the original completion date of summer 2010.
North Somerset Council and the pier owners both remain fully committed to the redevelopment of this important landmark site.
-----------------------------------------------
Additionally, we would like to thank everyone for the many messages of support of we have had on our Facebook page, in emails via our web site and also letters received over the last few days.
Since last week when news first broke that there was a problem, the two sides have met every day and negotiated an agreement that means the £34million project will continue in earnest.
Grand Pier co-owner, Kerry Michael said: "We are grateful to the Leader of the Council who personally took control of the negotiations. We have worked through the issues to reach a solution which is acceptable to all. Once the key decision makers were all together, we very quickly reached agreement and after that it was just a matter of putting the relevant professionals together to formalise the agreement.
“All we want to do is to get on with the re-building of the Grand Pier, a project which we hope will be the catalyst for the continuing regeneration of the town."
Cllr Nigel Ashton, Leader of North Somerset Council, added: "Following the fire last year which destroyed the pavilion we have worked closely with the owners and will continue to offer our support to them in their efforts to re-build the attraction."
This means that work on the redevelopment of the Pier can progress as planned and on time in accordance with the original completion date of summer 2010.
North Somerset Council and the pier owners both remain fully committed to the redevelopment of this important landmark site.
Additionally, we would like to thank everyone for the many messages of support of we have had on our Facebook page, in emails via our web site and also letters received over the last few days.
Friday 29 May 2009
Save Our Pier!
As some of you may be aware, the Grand Pier is in a battle with North Somerset Council regarding the rebuild.
We do not think this is acceptable and we would like as many of our friends to support us by telling the council just how important it is for everyone that our Pier is rebuilt as soon as possible.
Our ambition is to build the best Pier in the world that everyone will want to visit; most importantly a place that people of Weston-super-Mare will be proud of and, in turn, will make Weston-super-Mare one of the best seaside resorts in the UK.
North Somerset Council are now preventing us from achieving our goal, due to the continuous spiralling costs they are demanding.
We now need your help to save your Pier.
An Official Statement from Kerry Michael (Grand Pier co-owner):
Please join our Facebook and Twitter pages to get the latest updates!
We do not think this is acceptable and we would like as many of our friends to support us by telling the council just how important it is for everyone that our Pier is rebuilt as soon as possible.
Our ambition is to build the best Pier in the world that everyone will want to visit; most importantly a place that people of Weston-super-Mare will be proud of and, in turn, will make Weston-super-Mare one of the best seaside resorts in the UK.
North Somerset Council are now preventing us from achieving our goal, due to the continuous spiralling costs they are demanding.
We now need your help to save your Pier.
An Official Statement from Kerry Michael (Grand Pier co-owner):
“To enable the new pier to open in time for the summer of 2010 we need to appoint a main contractor to build the new pavilion by the end of June. We fear that we will not be in a position to do that because of a hellish battle we are having with North Somerset Council.
The entire pier project is costing £34million and it will undoubtedly bring prosperity to Weston-super-Mare, and is crucial to the town’s future. Our aim is to build the best pier in the world and for Weston-super-Mare to be a major destination for holiday makers, day trippers and locals alike.
But a series of demands from North Somerset Council, and failure to agree terms with them as adjoining land owners have put the project in jeopardy.
Our estimate of the cost of legal fees for concluding agreement with NSC was originally £20,000, but due the continually changing position of the Council that figure has now exceeded £150,000. Additionally, we are no nearer an agreement today than we were when we started.
Despite personally reaching agreement on costs with the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council two weeks ago, they have moved the goal posts again, and have come back this week demanding we also pay for a gate in their new splash wall and for a seafront traffic light system - adding more than £100,000 to the costs. This is just not acceptable. We fear that even if we agreed to this as well, they will just keep coming back for more and more as they have been doing for months.
We are being charged rent for the beach we are using to get building materials to the pier as the pier waist is not strong enough and rent for the builders’ compound, also on the beach. The council is trying to make a profit out of this tragedy.
The Council is also asking us to pay land management and licence fees, council legal fees, and even the cost of a council employee to keep tabs on us to make sure we are doing everything properly.
North Somerset claims that it is paying half the cost of our coach stop. The truth is that we agreed to pay for whole cost ourselves - until they told us it also had to be used for deliveries, as a bus stop and in fact, anyone could use it. Instead of us building it as we originally offered, it was agreed that they would build it and we would contribute 50% to reflect the fact that it is not now going to be for our sole use. That is very different to their claims that it is paying half ‘for us’.
The perception is that North Somerset Council is bending over backwards to assist us in the re-building of the pavilion but that is not the reality. We originally feared the planning system and to their credit, planning officers dealt efficiently and diligently with our application and it was processed within the expected timescales. But trying to deal with North Somerset as adjoining land owner has been impossible.
We are desperate to re-build the Pavilion and create something that not only we but the whole town can be proud of. Despite the recession, we have pressed ahead as fast as we possibly could to deliver a World class attraction and create more than 200 jobs in the process. If the Council is demanding all these costs because they are trying to be commercial, they should look at the commercial loss to the area if our plans don’t go ahead.”
Please join our Facebook and Twitter pages to get the latest updates!
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Grand Pier work on course
Work to rebuild the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare is on target with support piles for the attraction’s new 85 metre observation tower due to be driven into the sea bed next week.
So far 22 steel piles have been driven into the sea bed by Commercial Marine Piling to support the new pavilion, which is planned to open in time for the 2010 summer season.
Contractors Commercial Marine Piling is carrying out the work using a specialist jack-up barge brought to site to cope with the high tides. At the same time shot blasting work underneath the pier is also being carried out and replacement of steelwork damaged in the fire that destroyed the old pavilion in July last year.
Image shows the barge next to the Grand Pier.
Contracts for the construction of the new pavilion, which will house exciting amusements and rides for the public, have now gone out to tender.
Co-owners Kerry and Michelle Michael are continuing their worldwide search to find some of the most up-to-date rides and attractions for the new pavilion. But they are also finalising plans for old favourites, such as the Fun House, go-kart track and a traditional helter-skelter.
Michelle Michael said: “Every day sees progress being made and we are working to a tight timescale. So far everything is on course with the piling and superstructure clean-up and we can’t wait for the next stage.”
The Fun House will be twice the size of its predecessor and will be three storeys high with lots of thrills and tricks for those who enter. There will also be “psychedelic experience” where the fun starts by putting on special glasses and entering a world of “mind-blowing” visions from the Sixties.
Image shows an illustration of how the new Crazy House & Psychodelic Trip will look.
Kerry Michael said: “We want this to be the best pier in the world and for that we need to have the best rides, the biggest laughs and the most fun. There are designers and ride specialists working on getting that right for us all over the world.
“The pavilion structure is important but what will entertain local people and also attract people to Weston will be what they find when they go inside. We want to create the fun of a seaside holiday and also an all-year round attraction where local people can let their hair down and enjoy themselves.”
So far 22 steel piles have been driven into the sea bed by Commercial Marine Piling to support the new pavilion, which is planned to open in time for the 2010 summer season.
Contractors Commercial Marine Piling is carrying out the work using a specialist jack-up barge brought to site to cope with the high tides. At the same time shot blasting work underneath the pier is also being carried out and replacement of steelwork damaged in the fire that destroyed the old pavilion in July last year.
Image shows the barge next to the Grand Pier.
Contracts for the construction of the new pavilion, which will house exciting amusements and rides for the public, have now gone out to tender.
Co-owners Kerry and Michelle Michael are continuing their worldwide search to find some of the most up-to-date rides and attractions for the new pavilion. But they are also finalising plans for old favourites, such as the Fun House, go-kart track and a traditional helter-skelter.
Michelle Michael said: “Every day sees progress being made and we are working to a tight timescale. So far everything is on course with the piling and superstructure clean-up and we can’t wait for the next stage.”
The Fun House will be twice the size of its predecessor and will be three storeys high with lots of thrills and tricks for those who enter. There will also be “psychedelic experience” where the fun starts by putting on special glasses and entering a world of “mind-blowing” visions from the Sixties.
Image shows an illustration of how the new Crazy House & Psychodelic Trip will look.
Kerry Michael said: “We want this to be the best pier in the world and for that we need to have the best rides, the biggest laughs and the most fun. There are designers and ride specialists working on getting that right for us all over the world.
“The pavilion structure is important but what will entertain local people and also attract people to Weston will be what they find when they go inside. We want to create the fun of a seaside holiday and also an all-year round attraction where local people can let their hair down and enjoy themselves.”
Friday 8 May 2009
Kissing on Piers...
It started with a kiss. Now Hazel Costin and Jay Preller's romance is taking them on a round-Britain tour from pier to eternity.
The couple aim to have a kiss on every pier in the British Isles before they get married at the end of Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier where they first met – and they plan to publish a love story with a difference about their seaside challenge
Last weekend they travelled to the Isle of Man to visit Queen's Pier in Ramsey and its locked gates were specially opened so the lovebirds could be photographed having their kiss.
The structure is deemed too dangerous, however, for them to take a walk to the end but the couple hope to return one day - if and when the pier is restored to its former glory.
Hazel, 39, a teacher, and self-employed decorator Jay, 51, initially made friends on the internet but arranged to meet for a coffee on the Grand Pier in their home town of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, in July 2007.
'We hit it off straight away, becoming "an item" a few weeks later!' said Hazel. 'We had our first kiss on the end of the pier.'
A devastating blaze at the Grand Pier in July the following year and a blaze at Fleetwood a few weeks later led to the idea of the book.
Hazel explained: 'We suggested there wouldn't be any piers left to have a kiss at the end of unless we went round to see them all.'
Ramsey's Queen's Pier is the 35th of 56 British piers they have visited so far and they plan to get married at the end of Weston's Grand Pier as soon as it's refurbished, hopefully in late May 2010.
Their book is provisionally titled From Piers to Eternity.
'We are a bit overawed at all the attention as we didn't expect to be taken this seriously, but have met some lovely people who have made visiting some of the beautiful piers possible!' said Hazel.
During their visit to Queen's Pier, the couple were given honorary life membership of the Friends of Queen's Pier by the group's chairman Fred Hodgson.
Hazel said of the pier: 'It's such a shame – it's the sixth longest pier in Britain. It looks better than we thought it would be. Structurally it's sound. We will return when they save it!'
Jay said he was convinced a use could be found for the pier.
He said: 'If people see a pier they've got to walk to the end – they can't just walk past. Refurbishing the pier will bring people into Ramsey. If they could make the entrance bigger may be they could use it for a motorbike museum.'
A Council of Ministers working party is due to report back in the autumn with its options for refurbishing the pier.
Fred said: 'It is common knowledge that piers are a great draw for the public.
'A few years ago a couple had some of their wedding day photos taken during our open day and now Hazel and Jay have come over to celebrate the part that piers played in their lives.
'Perhaps we have stumbled on yet another use for the pier as a venue for weddings. I hope to see them both back on the Island to walk the full length together in the near future.'
Source: Isle of Man Today
The couple aim to have a kiss on every pier in the British Isles before they get married at the end of Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier where they first met – and they plan to publish a love story with a difference about their seaside challenge
Last weekend they travelled to the Isle of Man to visit Queen's Pier in Ramsey and its locked gates were specially opened so the lovebirds could be photographed having their kiss.
The structure is deemed too dangerous, however, for them to take a walk to the end but the couple hope to return one day - if and when the pier is restored to its former glory.
Hazel, 39, a teacher, and self-employed decorator Jay, 51, initially made friends on the internet but arranged to meet for a coffee on the Grand Pier in their home town of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, in July 2007.
'We hit it off straight away, becoming "an item" a few weeks later!' said Hazel. 'We had our first kiss on the end of the pier.'
A devastating blaze at the Grand Pier in July the following year and a blaze at Fleetwood a few weeks later led to the idea of the book.
Hazel explained: 'We suggested there wouldn't be any piers left to have a kiss at the end of unless we went round to see them all.'
Ramsey's Queen's Pier is the 35th of 56 British piers they have visited so far and they plan to get married at the end of Weston's Grand Pier as soon as it's refurbished, hopefully in late May 2010.
Their book is provisionally titled From Piers to Eternity.
'We are a bit overawed at all the attention as we didn't expect to be taken this seriously, but have met some lovely people who have made visiting some of the beautiful piers possible!' said Hazel.
During their visit to Queen's Pier, the couple were given honorary life membership of the Friends of Queen's Pier by the group's chairman Fred Hodgson.
Hazel said of the pier: 'It's such a shame – it's the sixth longest pier in Britain. It looks better than we thought it would be. Structurally it's sound. We will return when they save it!'
Jay said he was convinced a use could be found for the pier.
He said: 'If people see a pier they've got to walk to the end – they can't just walk past. Refurbishing the pier will bring people into Ramsey. If they could make the entrance bigger may be they could use it for a motorbike museum.'
A Council of Ministers working party is due to report back in the autumn with its options for refurbishing the pier.
Fred said: 'It is common knowledge that piers are a great draw for the public.
'A few years ago a couple had some of their wedding day photos taken during our open day and now Hazel and Jay have come over to celebrate the part that piers played in their lives.
'Perhaps we have stumbled on yet another use for the pier as a venue for weddings. I hope to see them both back on the Island to walk the full length together in the near future.'
Source: Isle of Man Today
Thursday 7 May 2009
New thrill-seeking rides for Grand Pier
A THREE-STOREY fun house, a laser room and a mirror maze are among the thrilling attractions that will be found on Weston's multi-million pound Grand Pier.
The revamped state-of-the-art pavilion will feature some of the most technologically-advanced rides in the world, it has been revealed this week.
Please go to the Weston Mercury to read the rest of the article.
The revamped state-of-the-art pavilion will feature some of the most technologically-advanced rides in the world, it has been revealed this week.
Please go to the Weston Mercury to read the rest of the article.
The Grand Pier Commends School Project
The owners of the Grand Pier at Weston have praised the efforts of a pupil of Clifton College, who has completed a study on how businesses in the town were affected by the pier fire last year as part of a school project.
It was feared that the Grand Pier fire last July would impact on businesses in the area if tourists stayed away because the pier pavilion had been destroyed.
Alexis Birakos, a year 8 pupil at Clifton College, decided to look at the issue as part of a Georgraphy project asking the question: ‘Has The Loss Of The Grand Pier Adversely Affected Business In Weston-Super-Mare’.
His comprehensive report has now been sent to the owners of the pier, Michelle and Kerry Michael, who say it is a useful piece of research that will benefit the town.
Alexis said: “I carried out a questionnaire and was very surprised because 56% said that their business stayed the same since the pier burnt down and I thought that the majority of business would have been adversely affected especially as 84% of businesses thought that the pier played a really important role in attracting tourists to Weston.”
The report suggests that drops in business could also have been attributed to other factors such as the current recession. Alexis also surveyed members of the public at Bristol Zoo. He found that the majority of people had not been to Weston-super-Mare since the fire but were quite positive about going back when the pier is re-built.
Michelle Michael said: “Alexis’ project is very impressive as he appears to have left no stone un-turned in his research. The findings make for some interesting reading for us and we are aware of how important the pier is to local businesses, which is why we have been so keen to get it rebuilt as quickly as possible.
“In some ways the damaged pier became an attraction in itself last year as many people came to Weston-super-Mare to look at it and the full effects of the fire on local tourism will not be known until the end of this season.”
The information in the project will be used by the Grand Pier as part of its planning for the future.
Alexis’ Geography teacher, Roger Mills, said Alexis had clearly worked hard and produced a very interesting geography investigation.
He said: “We try and encourage all year 8 children to choose something local and interesting to them. This is part of their coursework and this will count for 20% of their overall mark. I am delighted that Alexis`s work will help in promoting the opening of the new structure.”
Pictured: Fiona Hooper (Grand Pier) and Alexis Birakos (Clifton College)
It was feared that the Grand Pier fire last July would impact on businesses in the area if tourists stayed away because the pier pavilion had been destroyed.
Alexis Birakos, a year 8 pupil at Clifton College, decided to look at the issue as part of a Georgraphy project asking the question: ‘Has The Loss Of The Grand Pier Adversely Affected Business In Weston-Super-Mare’.
His comprehensive report has now been sent to the owners of the pier, Michelle and Kerry Michael, who say it is a useful piece of research that will benefit the town.
Alexis said: “I carried out a questionnaire and was very surprised because 56% said that their business stayed the same since the pier burnt down and I thought that the majority of business would have been adversely affected especially as 84% of businesses thought that the pier played a really important role in attracting tourists to Weston.”
The report suggests that drops in business could also have been attributed to other factors such as the current recession. Alexis also surveyed members of the public at Bristol Zoo. He found that the majority of people had not been to Weston-super-Mare since the fire but were quite positive about going back when the pier is re-built.
Michelle Michael said: “Alexis’ project is very impressive as he appears to have left no stone un-turned in his research. The findings make for some interesting reading for us and we are aware of how important the pier is to local businesses, which is why we have been so keen to get it rebuilt as quickly as possible.
“In some ways the damaged pier became an attraction in itself last year as many people came to Weston-super-Mare to look at it and the full effects of the fire on local tourism will not be known until the end of this season.”
The information in the project will be used by the Grand Pier as part of its planning for the future.
Alexis’ Geography teacher, Roger Mills, said Alexis had clearly worked hard and produced a very interesting geography investigation.
He said: “We try and encourage all year 8 children to choose something local and interesting to them. This is part of their coursework and this will count for 20% of their overall mark. I am delighted that Alexis`s work will help in promoting the opening of the new structure.”
Pictured: Fiona Hooper (Grand Pier) and Alexis Birakos (Clifton College)
Tuesday 21 April 2009
The Barge has Arrived!
The latest news about the Pier is the start of the rebuild. A barge has been parked next to the Pier to hold the equipment and a large crane for the building work. Both the Weston Mercury and the Bristol Evening Post have given us excellent coverage of the barge’s arrival. Please see their news stories:
Weston Mercury
Bristol Evening Post
We have taken several pictures of the barge arriving at the Pier and they are posted in the ‘month one’ album on our facebook page.
The Mercury also have a video of its arrival, please click here to watch.
Weston Mercury
Bristol Evening Post
We have taken several pictures of the barge arriving at the Pier and they are posted in the ‘month one’ album on our facebook page.
The Mercury also have a video of its arrival, please click here to watch.
Friday 10 April 2009
The re-build has begun!
Work to rebuild Weston’s Grand Pier following last year’s devastating fire is set to begin.
A contractor has been appointed to carry out piling that will help support the new pavilion.
The piling, which will be carried out by Commercial Marine & Piling Ltd (CMP) from Hampshire, will mean around 70 new piles being strategically placed to ensure the pier can support the new pavilion. Scheduled to last up to 15 weeks, the piles will be driven approximately 30 metres into the bedrock.
CMP will use a jack-up barge to drive the piles into the sea bed. The Jack-up barge provides a stable platform from which marine works can be carried out. When jacked up onto the legs the barge provides a platform which can be raised and lowered above the sea level, a feature that is ideal where tidal rise and fall would otherwise cause problems.
The plan is for the main contractor to be appointed for the new pavilion in June/July 2009.
Kerry Michael, owner of the pier said: “The beginning of the piling work is great news and is the beginning of the reconstruction of the pier following the fire. We’re keen to get the work under way and means we are on schedule to reopen for the summer of 2010.
“We aim to keep disruption to local people and businesses to a minimum during this work and we can now look forward with heightened anticipation as the new Grand Pier starts to take shape.”
Sixty per cent larger than its predecessor, the new pavilion will include a selection of state-of-the-art attractions such as an 85-metre high panoramic tower that will rise up revolve 360 degrees, a roof-height twin-chute helter-skelter in the North West tower, traditional Edwardian tea room that will double as a wedding venue for up to 125 guests and additional conference venue which can cater for up to 250 guests.
“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,” said Kerry.
A contractor has been appointed to carry out piling that will help support the new pavilion.
The piling, which will be carried out by Commercial Marine & Piling Ltd (CMP) from Hampshire, will mean around 70 new piles being strategically placed to ensure the pier can support the new pavilion. Scheduled to last up to 15 weeks, the piles will be driven approximately 30 metres into the bedrock.
CMP will use a jack-up barge to drive the piles into the sea bed. The Jack-up barge provides a stable platform from which marine works can be carried out. When jacked up onto the legs the barge provides a platform which can be raised and lowered above the sea level, a feature that is ideal where tidal rise and fall would otherwise cause problems.
The plan is for the main contractor to be appointed for the new pavilion in June/July 2009.
Kerry Michael, owner of the pier said: “The beginning of the piling work is great news and is the beginning of the reconstruction of the pier following the fire. We’re keen to get the work under way and means we are on schedule to reopen for the summer of 2010.
“We aim to keep disruption to local people and businesses to a minimum during this work and we can now look forward with heightened anticipation as the new Grand Pier starts to take shape.”
Sixty per cent larger than its predecessor, the new pavilion will include a selection of state-of-the-art attractions such as an 85-metre high panoramic tower that will rise up revolve 360 degrees, a roof-height twin-chute helter-skelter in the North West tower, traditional Edwardian tea room that will double as a wedding venue for up to 125 guests and additional conference venue which can cater for up to 250 guests.
“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,” said Kerry.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Preview Buffet Bar
While we wait patiently for more Pier news & pictures, we bring you an update from our restaurant at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.
The restaurant has recently been revamped as Preview Buffet Bar, providing an all inclusive choice of everyone’s favourite meals at a single fixed price. The restaurant provides everything from soups, salad, pasta, grills, Oriental wok dishes, burgers and traditional English roasts from as little as £5.95 per person. Prices vary depending on when you visit and are £5.95 for as much as you can eat on Monday to Friday 11.30am – 5.30pm; £7.95 on Sunday to Thursday evenings, and £9.95 on Friday from 5.30 pm, all day Saturday and Sunday until 5.30 pm and on Bank Holidays. Children under 10 years old eat for £4.95. The menus vary with extra dishes to choose from in the evenings at weekends with a larger carvery selection on Sundays for those who want traditional roasts.
Since the restaurant is located at The Venue, alongside Hollywood Bowl and Vue Cinema, Preview Buffet Bar manager Dean Hawden says he believes the new concept will be hugely popular with visitors to The Venue – especially those grabbing a bite before taking in a movie or going bowling.
Dean said: “We are the perfect solution to the problem of everyone in a party fancying something different to eat. We have all been in the situation where someone wants a Chinese meal, but someone else wants pizza, another wants a roast and someone else is on a diet and just wants a salad.
“But now everyone can go to the same restaurant and just help themselves to their favourite dish from the buffet at an all inclusive price while our chefs keep preparing fresh food in the background. We have a pizza oven turning out fresh pizzas, wok dishes freshly prepared and children will enjoy building their own ice cream dessert from the ice cream machine.”
Another major plus of the Preview Buffet Bar pre-pay and self serve system is that there is no waiting for meals to be delivered to the table, or for the bill to arrive at the end.
Dean Hawden also says: “We recognise that our customers are out for a night at the cinema, or going bowling or popping in on a shopping trip and they want quick service There is no anxiety waiting for someone to take your order or bring your meal and no waving at people to get the bill or make a payment when you want to leave to catch the movie. Because you pay on arrival and the food is ready you can be as fast as you like or linger longer over a drink.”
Photo shows Preview staff members.
Preview Buffet Bar, The Venue, Merlin Road,
Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS10 7SR
T: 0117 959 8282 E: info@previewbarandgrill.co.uk
The restaurant has recently been revamped as Preview Buffet Bar, providing an all inclusive choice of everyone’s favourite meals at a single fixed price. The restaurant provides everything from soups, salad, pasta, grills, Oriental wok dishes, burgers and traditional English roasts from as little as £5.95 per person. Prices vary depending on when you visit and are £5.95 for as much as you can eat on Monday to Friday 11.30am – 5.30pm; £7.95 on Sunday to Thursday evenings, and £9.95 on Friday from 5.30 pm, all day Saturday and Sunday until 5.30 pm and on Bank Holidays. Children under 10 years old eat for £4.95. The menus vary with extra dishes to choose from in the evenings at weekends with a larger carvery selection on Sundays for those who want traditional roasts.
Since the restaurant is located at The Venue, alongside Hollywood Bowl and Vue Cinema, Preview Buffet Bar manager Dean Hawden says he believes the new concept will be hugely popular with visitors to The Venue – especially those grabbing a bite before taking in a movie or going bowling.
Dean said: “We are the perfect solution to the problem of everyone in a party fancying something different to eat. We have all been in the situation where someone wants a Chinese meal, but someone else wants pizza, another wants a roast and someone else is on a diet and just wants a salad.
“But now everyone can go to the same restaurant and just help themselves to their favourite dish from the buffet at an all inclusive price while our chefs keep preparing fresh food in the background. We have a pizza oven turning out fresh pizzas, wok dishes freshly prepared and children will enjoy building their own ice cream dessert from the ice cream machine.”
Another major plus of the Preview Buffet Bar pre-pay and self serve system is that there is no waiting for meals to be delivered to the table, or for the bill to arrive at the end.
Dean Hawden also says: “We recognise that our customers are out for a night at the cinema, or going bowling or popping in on a shopping trip and they want quick service There is no anxiety waiting for someone to take your order or bring your meal and no waving at people to get the bill or make a payment when you want to leave to catch the movie. Because you pay on arrival and the food is ready you can be as fast as you like or linger longer over a drink.”
Photo shows Preview staff members.
Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS10 7SR
T: 0117 959 8282 E: info@previewbarandgrill.co.uk
Monday 30 March 2009
Photos before rebuild starts!
Work to the existing structure will begin soon once we have confirmed details with the contractors. The rebuild will begin with several new piles being screwed into the ground, ready to support the weight of the new Pavilion and deck which will be built later this year.
See the pictures below for a look at how the Pier looks today; hopefully we will be seeing big changes soon!
Please click the pictures to see bigger versions.
See the pictures below for a look at how the Pier looks today; hopefully we will be seeing big changes soon!
Please click the pictures to see bigger versions.
Friday 27 March 2009
Alphabeat @ the Grand Pier
Today's update is a look back to 2008 when Channel Four television visited Weston-super-Mare to host the annual pop music concert, T4 on the Beach.
During the run up to the concert, the Grand Pier was visited by Danish pop band, Alphabeat. The T4 concert took place one week before the fire and the Go-Karts & Climbing wall had only been open for a few days when the band visited.
Channel Four Television and the Done & Dusted Group have very kindly given us permission to upload the footage from Alphabeat's visit to the Grand Pier on our YouTube Channel. The clip was previously featured in a short program called Postcards from T4 and was broadcast on Channel Four, Summer 2008.
Tickets for T4 2009 are on sale Friday 3rd April, and further information about the concert/party on the beach can be found here.
During the run up to the concert, the Grand Pier was visited by Danish pop band, Alphabeat. The T4 concert took place one week before the fire and the Go-Karts & Climbing wall had only been open for a few days when the band visited.
Channel Four Television and the Done & Dusted Group have very kindly given us permission to upload the footage from Alphabeat's visit to the Grand Pier on our YouTube Channel. The clip was previously featured in a short program called Postcards from T4 and was broadcast on Channel Four, Summer 2008.
Tickets for T4 2009 are on sale Friday 3rd April, and further information about the concert/party on the beach can be found here.
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Worle School Visit
Pupils studying Design & Technology from Worle Community School re-visited the Grand Pier to see for themselves how work is progressing to replace the iconic attraction.
Having visited back in October 2008, the 40 pupils are using the rebuilding of the Pier as a way to learn and understand how design and technology shapes their everyday lives.
Guided by Mike Joannou - Grand Pier Security Manager, the pupils were given an update on the work and what the next phases in the re-building of the pier will be including the piling which will help support the new pavilion.
Design and Technology teacher Peter Williams said: “It’s great for the pupils to see at first hand how, what they learn in the classroom is being applied to such an iconic structure as this and we would like to thank Mike for showing us around.
“There is a lot going on in Weston at the moment and the fact that it is going on right on our doorstep makes it very real for the pupils.”
Mike added: “It’s a great way for the pupils to learn the practicalities of design and technology and how they are being applied to a live project. I hope they’re able to take inspiration from what is going on here and look forward to seeing them again in the future for a further update.”
Pictured: Worle Community School pupils, Mike Joannou (Grand Pier) & Peter Williams (Worle School).
Having visited back in October 2008, the 40 pupils are using the rebuilding of the Pier as a way to learn and understand how design and technology shapes their everyday lives.
Guided by Mike Joannou - Grand Pier Security Manager, the pupils were given an update on the work and what the next phases in the re-building of the pier will be including the piling which will help support the new pavilion.
Design and Technology teacher Peter Williams said: “It’s great for the pupils to see at first hand how, what they learn in the classroom is being applied to such an iconic structure as this and we would like to thank Mike for showing us around.
“There is a lot going on in Weston at the moment and the fact that it is going on right on our doorstep makes it very real for the pupils.”
Mike added: “It’s a great way for the pupils to learn the practicalities of design and technology and how they are being applied to a live project. I hope they’re able to take inspiration from what is going on here and look forward to seeing them again in the future for a further update.”
Pictured: Worle Community School pupils, Mike Joannou (Grand Pier) & Peter Williams (Worle School).
Tuesday 24 March 2009
YouTube Channel
We have now set up our own youtube channel, which we plan to keep updated with the new happenings about the Pier, plus some insights into the history of the Pier.
So far we have been adding the Pier fans videos as our favourites so if you wish to add us as a friend, we will add you as a friend back. Also, if you have any videos you think we will like, please message us or post it as a comment to the blog or on the official facebook fanpage (link to your left in the links menu!)
We have also added the computerised walk through plan of the new Pier to the channel, previously seen on BBC news.
Happy viewing!
So far we have been adding the Pier fans videos as our favourites so if you wish to add us as a friend, we will add you as a friend back. Also, if you have any videos you think we will like, please message us or post it as a comment to the blog or on the official facebook fanpage (link to your left in the links menu!)
We have also added the computerised walk through plan of the new Pier to the channel, previously seen on BBC news.
Happy viewing!
Friday 20 March 2009
Buttons and the Grand Pier Fire
As some of you may know, one of the members of staff at the Grand Pier is an 8ft tall clown! Buttons decided to have a party on the night of the fire and was so full up with sweets, he slept in the sweet shop that night. He woke up to the sounds of the fire engines and decided to enlist the help of the Pier owners to tell his story about the fire.
The Grand Pier teamed up with Weston College to host a competition to a group of illustration students to bring Buttons' story to life in a brand new children's book.
Michelle Michael, co-owner at the pier said: “The idea came about because many children were worried about Buttons after the fire. As a result we wanted to let everyone know he is safe and well by producing a book telling his story.”
Nina Sully was the lucky student who has won the competition to provide all the illustrations for the book, written by Hayley Carlin. Nina, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, is currently studying on the National Diploma Foundation Studies Art & Design course and will now finalise her work for the book which will be published later in the year. Nina, who was born in Weston, was a biology teacher until she retired last August. A keen artist, she enrolled on the course to extend her skills and the opportunity to produce the illustrations for the book was one she just couldn’t miss.
Nina said: “Coming from Weston the chance to work on a children’s book about the pier was something I just had to do. To win is a real thrill and I’m working hard to make sure my initial illustrations are ready for the book to be printed. To think that my illustrations will be enjoyed by children for years to come is a real honour and I can’t wait to see the first printed copies.”
Jonathan Swindall, lecturer at Weston College added: “This was a great project for the students to work on. As a live project they had to work to a real deadline which acted as a great motivator. To get something published is also a great opportunity at this level and is fantastic for each student’s development.”
Pictured: Nina Sully (Weston College), Hayley Carlin (Grand Pier) & Buttons the Clown (Grand Pier)
The Grand Pier teamed up with Weston College to host a competition to a group of illustration students to bring Buttons' story to life in a brand new children's book.
Michelle Michael, co-owner at the pier said: “The idea came about because many children were worried about Buttons after the fire. As a result we wanted to let everyone know he is safe and well by producing a book telling his story.”
Nina Sully was the lucky student who has won the competition to provide all the illustrations for the book, written by Hayley Carlin. Nina, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, is currently studying on the National Diploma Foundation Studies Art & Design course and will now finalise her work for the book which will be published later in the year. Nina, who was born in Weston, was a biology teacher until she retired last August. A keen artist, she enrolled on the course to extend her skills and the opportunity to produce the illustrations for the book was one she just couldn’t miss.
Nina said: “Coming from Weston the chance to work on a children’s book about the pier was something I just had to do. To win is a real thrill and I’m working hard to make sure my initial illustrations are ready for the book to be printed. To think that my illustrations will be enjoyed by children for years to come is a real honour and I can’t wait to see the first printed copies.”
Jonathan Swindall, lecturer at Weston College added: “This was a great project for the students to work on. As a live project they had to work to a real deadline which acted as a great motivator. To get something published is also a great opportunity at this level and is fantastic for each student’s development.”
Pictured: Nina Sully (Weston College), Hayley Carlin (Grand Pier) & Buttons the Clown (Grand Pier)
Thursday 19 March 2009
Interview with Pier owner
Our friends at the Weston Mercury have posted an interview with Grand Pier co-owner, Michelle Michael, following the rebuilding plans being given the thumbs up!
To see the video, click here. For news that accompanies the video, see below.
News from the Weston Mercury.
To see the video, click here. For news that accompanies the video, see below.
Work on Weston's new £34million Grand Pier could start by the end of the month.
With rebuilding plans given the green light last night (Thus), the first contractors are expected to be signed up today (Fri) and work will start within weeks.
Pier co-owner Kerry Michael said: "We have worked very closely with North Somerset planners and between us we have given due consideration to all aspects of the application and ironed out any potential problems."
A second contractor could be signed up within 10 weeks and the pier could be open for business by next summer.
The most expensive item on the landmark structure is likely to be an observation tower at the rear, which is coming in at a cost of around £2million.
The proposals for the new attraction include a bar around three times bigger than the previous one, a Victorian tea room and a central canopy that would run the whole length of the pier, with sides that could close in bad weather.
This week, Mr Michael described how much enthusiasm has been shown for a wedding venue which would be incorporated in the new-look pavilion, with dozens phoning him up hoping to be the first to tie the knot on the new attraction.
But the Weston businessman says he will not book any ceremonies for the new glazed area until he has confirmed a re-opening date for the pier.
News from the Weston Mercury.
Hello & Welcome
Welcome to the official blog for the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare. Here you will have access to all of the latest news and plans for the new Pier, due to open Summer 2010.
Today, as our first post, we bring you news direct from the Weston Mercury as planning applications were approved just one week ago.
Thanks to the Mercury for this news article.
Today, as our first post, we bring you news direct from the Weston Mercury as planning applications were approved just one week ago.
'EXCITING' £34million plans to rebuild Weston's fire-ravaged Grand Pier pavilion have been approved this evening.
Pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael are celebrating after securing planning permission for a scheme dubbed 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' by members of North Somerset Council's west area committee.
The group voted unanimously to allow the ambitious plan to proceed, meaning Weston could be home to a state-of-the-art pier - boasting observation tower, go-kart track and 4D cinema - by summer 2010.
The news will come as a boost to Weston's beleaguered tourism industry, which has suffered since losing the pier in July.
Cllr Andrew Horler said: "As mayor of Weston, I have received a lot of good wishes and hopes for this application.
"It has amazed me, over the course of the year, how many people - on a global scale - have shown an interest in the prospects for this site.
"What we have here is the chance to build a massive, multi-faceted, multi-use attraction, not only for tourists, but for the people of Weston.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime application, and the success of it is fundamental to the rebirth of Weston-super-Mare."
Michelle Michael was at the meeting to see councillors take little over 30 minutes to offer their backing to the proposal, and outlined her hopes for the future now permission has been secured.
She said: "We are delighted to have secured planning permission, and we are now keen to get on with the job of rebuilding as soon as practically possible.
"Our design team has been working flat-out for many months to being this project together, and came up with a concept which was everyone's overwhelming favourite.
"Getting planning permission is great, but it is just another step along the way.
"We want to make the Grand Pier in Weston the best pier in the world and we will continue the search that has been going on worldwide for the last few months to source rides and attractions.
"We believe that Weston can become more prosperous and be Britain's most sought-after seaside destination with a world class pier at its heart.
Thanks to the Mercury for this news article.
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