An ambitious £2 million project to redevelop and refurbish Beaumaris Pier is now underway.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council has begun the works to improve the structural condition and accessibility of the Pier in a bid to boost the local and regional economy.
Funding for the Coastal Environment Project has been secured from the European Union’s Convergence Programme – European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); Welsh Assembly Government’s Môn a Menai Programme and Targeted Match Fund and Isle of Anglesey County Council
Leading UK Civil Engineers Bam Nuttall are now on-site after completing the initial design process. The pier refurbishment project will take around eight months to complete.
Works will include reinstating the structure to its former width; strengthening the timber supports; replacing the existing decking; refurbishing the kiosk and shelter and constructing a new floating pontoon. Following consultation with the local community and stakeholders, the work will also include the resurfacing of the masonry section of the Pier; as well as refurbishing the timber steps at the end of the Pier.
Economic Development and Tourism portfolio holder Councillor Bob Parry OBE, explained, “The condition of the Pier has recently deteriorated and this major investment is needed to safeguard its long term future and viability. The improvements to the Pier will ensure that it meets current design and safety standards, whilst providing improved accessibility for local businesses and enhance recreational opportunities for the local community and visitors.”
“Unfortunately, due to the Pier’s deteriorating condition, we’ve been unable to delay the redevelopment works. Indeed, any delay now could have put the future of the Pier at risk.”
Given the challenging and technical nature of the redevelopment works, Bam Nuttall will undertake them during the spring and summer in order to benefit from more favourable weather and sea conditions. However, every possible effort will be made to minimise disruption and inconvenience to Pier users and local residents as the redevelopment works progress.
The public will have an opportunity to view details of the redevelopment proposals at an information event at Beaumaris Pier on Wednesday March 16th 2010, between 1pm – 3pm. Both County Council Officers and representatives from Bam Nuttall will be on hand to discuss aspects of the project with the public.
Maritime portfolio holder Councillor Ieuan Williams, said, “The redevelopment works have been planned to ensure a walkway route is maintained from the stone kiosk to the steps at the end of the Pier. This will allow continued access throughout the duration of the construction works to the various pleasure craft that operate from the end of the Pier. These arrangements have been discussed and agreed with all pleasure craft operators.”
Beaumaris County Councillor R L Owen welcomed news that the works were underway, adding, “This is an exciting project for Beaumaris. The refurbishments will take time and every effort will be made to minimize any disruption. I have also been given assurances that the works will not affect this year’s regattas in any way. I would ask residents and Pier users to be patient as the work progresses. Once the works are complete, I’m confident that the new Pier will prove a significant visitor attraction and help boost the local economy.”
The redevelopment of Beaumaris Pier is being undertaken as part of the County Council’s £5.6m Development of Anglesey’s Coastal Environment Project which aims to develop on-shore and off-shore facilities to maximise economic benefits and impacts from the coastline of Anglesey.
Funding for the Coastal Environment Project has been secured from the European Union’s Convergence Programme – European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); Welsh Assembly Government’s Môn a Menai Programme and Targeted Match Fund and Isle of Anglesey County Council.
For further information about the Beaumaris Pier project, please contact Anglesey County Council’s Economic Development Unit on (01248) 752480 / 2435.
