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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Showing posts with label michelle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label michelle. Show all posts
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
GP to Stage Major Recruitment Event
One of the largest recruitment drives in the region is due to take place this month with the Grand Pier planning a 2 day event to fill more than 250 vacancies in all parts of the business. The Pier was tragically destroyed by fire in 2008, owners Kerry & Michelle Michael invested more than £39m in an ambitious redevelopment programme that will now bring hundreds of jobs to the town.
“Work on the Pier is going according to schedule and we are on course to reopen this summer,” said Peter Angelides, AGM Group Managing Director, “We need a whole new team of people and we are looking for a very wide variety of skills and experience. We are very specific about the kind of people who will succeed as part of the new Grand Pier Team. We are looking for the highest calibre of person and not everyone is up to the demands of working in such as high-profile and dynamic business. It takes a great deal of energy, enthusiasm and the right disposition,” he added, “We are in the business of selling ‘fun’ whilst delivering the highest standards of customer service. These are the skills we will be looking for the most.”
Employment opportunities on this scale are good news for Weston-super-Mare where unemployment levels increased by over 122% last year. These new figures show a dramatic increase in the number of unemployed in the town and there are calls on the government to do more to give greater support to businesses like the Grand Pier who will become one of the region’s largest employers.
“We are taking an unusual approach to find the right people to work as part of our new team,” said Pier HR Manager Andrew Tregenza, “We are organising this three day event that will take place at the Winter Gardens, starting with two Open Days on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th March,” Andrew added, “We are looking to fill a very wide range of positions; everyone from Accounts Assistants to Restaurant Staff and we have organised some fun and entertainment to make the whole event exciting”.
Vacancies will include both full and part-time positions as well as permanent and temporary contracts right up to Supervisory level. The Grand Pier aims to build its reputation as a model employer by offering Continuous Staff Training and Development, including bespoke Apprenticeships, linked with Weston College
Doors will open at 10am on the each of the two Open Days with entertainment and refreshments organised throughout the event. Once inside, candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Grand Pier Recruitment Team and over 300 successful applicants will be invited to go forward to the Final Selection day.
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“Work on the Pier is going according to schedule and we are on course to reopen this summer,” said Peter Angelides, AGM Group Managing Director, “We need a whole new team of people and we are looking for a very wide variety of skills and experience. We are very specific about the kind of people who will succeed as part of the new Grand Pier Team. We are looking for the highest calibre of person and not everyone is up to the demands of working in such as high-profile and dynamic business. It takes a great deal of energy, enthusiasm and the right disposition,” he added, “We are in the business of selling ‘fun’ whilst delivering the highest standards of customer service. These are the skills we will be looking for the most.”
Employment opportunities on this scale are good news for Weston-super-Mare where unemployment levels increased by over 122% last year. These new figures show a dramatic increase in the number of unemployed in the town and there are calls on the government to do more to give greater support to businesses like the Grand Pier who will become one of the region’s largest employers.
“We are taking an unusual approach to find the right people to work as part of our new team,” said Pier HR Manager Andrew Tregenza, “We are organising this three day event that will take place at the Winter Gardens, starting with two Open Days on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th March,” Andrew added, “We are looking to fill a very wide range of positions; everyone from Accounts Assistants to Restaurant Staff and we have organised some fun and entertainment to make the whole event exciting”.
Vacancies will include both full and part-time positions as well as permanent and temporary contracts right up to Supervisory level. The Grand Pier aims to build its reputation as a model employer by offering Continuous Staff Training and Development, including bespoke Apprenticeships, linked with Weston College
Doors will open at 10am on the each of the two Open Days with entertainment and refreshments organised throughout the event. Once inside, candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Grand Pier Recruitment Team and over 300 successful applicants will be invited to go forward to the Final Selection day.
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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, 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.
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, 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.
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