Contractors working on Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier have suffered another setback. The decking installed all around the new Pavilion building is already failing and it is feared that it will have to be lifted and re-laid.
Structural engineers have been called in to assess the problem and their report is awaited, but owner Kerry Michael fears the worst. He said contractors had advised him late yesterday (17th August) that they had concerns over the structural integrity of the new decking.
Kerry Michael said: “Structural engineers are looking into the design to see if it meets the requirements and if, as I fear, it does not, it will have to be stripped and re-done.
“I am bitterly disappointed at the continued delays on the project. We should have been open weeks ago and not only have we lost the entire summer, but it looks like we will be losing what’s left of the season as well.
“I can only apologise to everyone that has been waiting patiently for the re-opening – those who have booked events that cannot go ahead, the staff waiting in the wings for a start date and to the whole town and sea-front traders, who like us, are losing out every day.
“We continue to work with contractors to complete the project as soon as we can, but we are in their hands. There is little our team can do until the building is complete and handed over to us.
“Problems aside, the building is really looking good. All the rides are now fully installed and working. The kitchens are in and the function rooms and wedding venues are stunning. When it’s finished it will be something we can all be proud of, but we have to get it right and we won’t compromise on quality”.
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Thursday 19 August 2010
Thursday 12 August 2010
Boxing To Return To Grand Pier
Boxing is making a return to Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier. Alex Demetriou from the Grand Pier has teamed up with Britain’s first officially licensed female boxer, Jane Couch MBE, to promote an amateur boxing event due to take place on Friday 3rd December. It will be the first of many boxing events planned throughout the year.
Boxing on Weston’s Grand Pier dates back to 1904, when boxing matches took place in the 2,000 seat pavilion, along with opera, music hall and Shakespearean plays.
Amateur boxing clubs from around the South West region are being invited to sign up for the event. The evening will be one of the first big events to be held in the brand new Pavilion building, which has the largest pillar-less performance space in the South West.
A special guest at the event will be former WBC heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon.
Jane Couch said: “Since I retired from boxing in 2008 I have become a boxing promoter and I am delighted to have been approached by the owners of the Grand Pier to help them stage their boxing matches. It’s great to see the traditional sport of boxing returning to the Grand Pier after its £51m re-build”.
Events will take place throughout the year in the Pavilion building, including concerts and fashion shows, along with weddings, conferences and corporate events.
Tickets for the event will go on sale shortly and are expected to cost from £10 for standing room. There will also be VIP tables available and the opportunity to attend a drinks reception with special guests.
To register your interest in the amateur boxing night email events@grandpier.co.uk
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Boxing on Weston’s Grand Pier dates back to 1904, when boxing matches took place in the 2,000 seat pavilion, along with opera, music hall and Shakespearean plays.
Amateur boxing clubs from around the South West region are being invited to sign up for the event. The evening will be one of the first big events to be held in the brand new Pavilion building, which has the largest pillar-less performance space in the South West.
A special guest at the event will be former WBC heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon.
Jane Couch said: “Since I retired from boxing in 2008 I have become a boxing promoter and I am delighted to have been approached by the owners of the Grand Pier to help them stage their boxing matches. It’s great to see the traditional sport of boxing returning to the Grand Pier after its £51m re-build”.
Events will take place throughout the year in the Pavilion building, including concerts and fashion shows, along with weddings, conferences and corporate events.
Tickets for the event will go on sale shortly and are expected to cost from £10 for standing room. There will also be VIP tables available and the opportunity to attend a drinks reception with special guests.
To register your interest in the amateur boxing night email events@grandpier.co.uk
For latest images check out our WEBCAM
Become a fan on FACEBOOK
Get tweeting with us on TWITTER
Wednesday 4 August 2010
Grand Pier’s Opening Hit By Delay
Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier will not re-open this month, after the project was hit by further delays.
Pier owner Kerry Michael issued the following statement today: -
“Following a meeting with contractors today, it has become clear that we will not be able to re-open The Grand Pier this month.
“Practical completion should have taken place on 25th June when we expected the keys to be handed over. However, this date has been put back repeatedly and it is now clear that contractors are still some time away from completion. Unfortunately they were unable to advise us of a revised date for the handover and we in turn, cannot set a date for opening until they do. Once we have been given a date from contractors, we will post details on our website www.grandpier.co.uk
“We are bitterly disappointed at the continued delay which we understand is causing uncertainty and concern for many people, not only those who are looking forward to the new Pavilion and its facilities but also for our suppliers, staff and other businesses in the town. We will do everything we can to ensure the Grand Pier re-opens just as soon as practically possible but until such time as we have a completion date from contractors, we can do no more”.
Pier owner Kerry Michael issued the following statement today: -
“Following a meeting with contractors today, it has become clear that we will not be able to re-open The Grand Pier this month.
“Practical completion should have taken place on 25th June when we expected the keys to be handed over. However, this date has been put back repeatedly and it is now clear that contractors are still some time away from completion. Unfortunately they were unable to advise us of a revised date for the handover and we in turn, cannot set a date for opening until they do. Once we have been given a date from contractors, we will post details on our website www.grandpier.co.uk
“We are bitterly disappointed at the continued delay which we understand is causing uncertainty and concern for many people, not only those who are looking forward to the new Pavilion and its facilities but also for our suppliers, staff and other businesses in the town. We will do everything we can to ensure the Grand Pier re-opens just as soon as practically possible but until such time as we have a completion date from contractors, we can do no more”.
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