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.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
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.”
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