Grand Pier to Re-Appear

Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier, currently under construction, is due to be completed next year. The £34 million rebuild will surely add more character and flavor to our seaside town, and aims to transform it into a popular seaside resort.

The reconstruction, which started in April following a tragic fire last year, was halted when disagreements surfaced between North Somerset Council and Grand Pier Company regarding the costs involved. Local support and persistent negotiators eventually resulted in an agreement, and progress is now well underway. Kerry Michael, co-owner of the Pier says: "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." 

Photographer Chris Abbott has been commissioned to follow the progress through his lens, gallery available here:  http://www.chrisabbottphotography.com/gallery_241070.html

"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." Abbott says, after being chosen from a group of local photographers.  

The historic value of these photographs will surely boost their popularity amongst future tourists and locals alike.

"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." Pier co-owner, Michelle Michael says. 

Hopefully a new and effective fire safety system will also be installed along with the 85 metre observation tower.

Updates and news can be found at the Grand Pier's website: http://www.grandpierwsm.co.uk/index.asp