Bournemouth Pier could close to repair damage

Around £9.62m has been allocated towards the structural engineering of the pier and its leisure offer by BCP Council. 

Split into two equal sums of £4.8m, the money is from a £20m pot given to the authority by the government following a successful levelling up fund bid. 

BCP Council is expecting the work to start in winter 2024/25 and that it could take “12 months plus” to be completed. 

The pier has been battered by storms lately

A spokesperson for the council said: “We will aim to keep the pier open and minimise disruption to local businesses and the public.  

“However, there may be times when sections of the pier may have to be temporarily closed to ensure safety for all.” 

Read more: Bournemouth Pier 'rotting away'

Read more: Resident shares photos of damage to Bournemouth Pier

However, pier operator Openwide has said that when its Norfolk pier had revamp work done, it found there are ways to keep it open to all.  

Residents have criticised the pier for being in a poor state

The council spokesperson added: “We are currently at early design stage but we envisage that the works will be carried out in stages and will be weather dependent.  

“We are allowing for 12 months plus, for the completion of these works.” 

There will be repair and remediation, where necessary, to the pier substructure which includes the timber landing stages and concrete support system.

They added: “Recent damage caused by Storm Ciaran and other subsequent storms has illustrated the potential damage that these increasingly frequent weather events can cause.  

“It is therefore not possible to accurately predict the lifespan of the current structure, however, the planned works will aim to increase the lifespan by 15 to 20 years for the timber and 25 to 30 years for the concrete.” 

Openwide director Rory Holburn said: “We are currently in discussion with the council to try to understand the details of their plans before we can assess the potential impact. 

"However, from our experience in operating Cromer Pier, on behalf of North Norfolk District Council, any closures should be minimal as it is very easy to maintain access by managing and planning works in conjunction with operations in order to keep the business running as close to normal as possible, enabling us to protect jobs and retain the skills required for the future. 

“The grant funding is awarded to BCP Council, and Openwide International have no control or benefit from these funds.” 

Residents had previously hit out at the "dreadful" state of the pier over damage to the landing stages, stairs and fenders.