Refurbishment & Regeneration

Boscombe pier near Bournemouth has beaten ten others shortlisted in the annual poll of the National Pier Society’s 600 members to be voted “Pier of the Year 2010”. The award acknowledges and rewards commitment to restoring the nation’s piers.

In contrast to the wrought-iron and ornate detail of Britain’s Victorian piers, Boscombe Pier is now a stylish post-modern structure featuring a Grade II listed entrance building with a distinctive ‘flying wing’ design. It also features a central windbreak with historic panels telling the fascinating story of the pier.

Marine structure specialists at Gifford working with the contractor, Carillion, developed a complete refurbishment programme including repairs to the concrete structure, replacement of the structurally unsound end section with a new viewing platform, new wooden decking, handrails, lighting and central windbreak.

Nick Clarke, technical director at Gifford, said: “We are pleased we could bring our specific maritime heritage engineering and conservation skills to renovate sympathetically Boscombe Pier and enable it to be reopened to the public.”

For more information, go to www.gifford.uk.com