The New Visitor Facilities

The architect's impression of the new visitor facilities
(click to enlarge)


Click here to see the proposed plans [pdf]	Click here to see a sectional view of the proposed new visitor centre [pdf]
Click here to see a Panoramic View of the new facilities

Happier on the Pier !
New educational and visitor facilities to be built at Clevedon Pier

The volunteers and supporters of Clevedon Pier are overjoyed with the news that the the North Somerset North Area Planning Committee have voted to approve their planning application for the development of an educational and visitor centre. When completed, school parties and other community groups will be able to sit in an education room under the pier looking out to sea and experience the World’s second highest tide as it races around the graceful arches of the only surviving grade I listed pier in the country.

There will be dedicated learning facilities, together with much needed toilets and refreshment areas, most of which will be constructed under the ramp and all will be designed for disabled access - the pier itself will not be affected by the construction.

Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, Chairman of the Trust, said: “We are all very excited. This is a major project for the Trust for which we will be applying for grants. In addition we will be launching an appeal to the public who love, support and greatly appreciate the UK’s only Grade I listed pier. If all goes according to plan we hope to start work in the Spring of 2012”

Linda Strong, Pier Manager, commented: "I am delighted that these plans have been approved: this will provide some much needed facilities for the visitors and a learning area for school children who come to the pier. This will raise additional funds to guarantee the long-term maintenance of the pier. It is a very exciting time to be involved, watching it grow from strength to strength. Last year was the best year ever for visitors and I look forward to seeing many more visitors who come to see the work that is being carried out. I would like to thank all those people who have supported the plans, and would be happy to talk to anyone who wishes to help fundraising for the pier"

The National Piers Society fully endorse the project. Their patron, Gyles Brandreth, remarked: “The West Country is famous for its pirates and this is a wonderful opportunity for the public to join in the fundraising and walk the plank”

Griff Rhys-Jones says: “Clevedon Pier would be lucky to have this fine visitor centre. Like many attractions the pier lacks facilities and this is a good opportunity to set that right and help secure the future of the pier. The design will complement work done to the hotel and is handsome and not overpowering in scale and ambition.”

Press Release April 8th 2011

News Highlights

Clevedon Pier are delighted that the North Somerset District Council North Area planning committee voted to approve the plans for new Visitor Facilities at Clevedon Pier on 7th April 2011.
The striking contemporary lightweight design of the new visitor facilities has been created by O’Leary Goss Architects and has received very favourable comments from English Heritage.
The planned provision of toilets, dedicated education, refreshment areas, will all greatly enhance the visitor experience. With these additional facilities, the Trust plans to be able to generate sufficient additional income to cover all the long-term maintenance costs of the pier, for which we currently have to rely on the generous support of North Somerset Council.
Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust have worked closely with, English Heritage, North Somerset District Planners, Clevedon Town Council, Julia Elton of Clevedon Court , Clevedon Civic Society all of whom have provided valuable support.
The visitor facilities are been made possible through the generous support of Freemantle Properties who have recently got planning permission to convert the adjacent Royal Pier Hotel into apartments, also designed by O’Leary Goss Architects.
Today we will be launching a public appeal to help raise funds for this major project, in addition, applying to English Heritage Lottery Fund & other organisations for help with funding.

Dr Liam Fox attended a meeting with Pier Trustees and Manager on Friday 6th May. Dr Fox, who is our patron, was full of enthusiasm and supports wholeheartedly the plans to build the new visitor facility.

Further Information

The planning application and plans can be seen by visiting the Planning and Development section of the North Somerset Council website

This link will take you to the NSDC Planning Search page. Look for Application Number 10/P/2096/F or search on our postcode BS21 7QU.

For further details of the development of the Royal Pier Hotel see
www.royalpierhotelclevedon.co.uk

For further information, contact:

Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, Chairman, Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust on 07973 147017 or 01275 375250. Email simon@talbot-ponsonby.org

Linda Strong, Pier Manager, 01275 878846. Email enquiries@clevedonpier.com