Pier design winners are announced

The winning design was chosen from 95 entries. Enlarge Image

Plans for a multimillion transformation of Weston-super-Mare's Birnbeck pier have been announced.

It follows a competition run by Urban Splash to redesign the crumbling pier which the company bought last year.

Jason Collard, from Urban Splash, said the design was "very contemporary" and was a "slick approach".

"There are two new buildings proposed to supplement those on the island and further development on an area of the foreshore for homes," he added.

'Detailed presentation'

There were 95 entries for the competition from around the world and from these, a shortlist of six was chosen.

An exhibition of all entries was held at the Winter Gardens in December with visitors encouraged to provide their feedback on the shortlist.

In the final stage of judging, held in the seaside town last week, each practice made a more detailed presentation of its proposal, followed by a question and answer session.

Urban Splash will now work with the winning team from Levitate Architecture and Design Studio Ltd to develop the outline concept into a final design.

Birnbeck Pier - on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk register - was bought last year by Urban Splash, which wants to bring people back to the attraction.

The Grade-II listed pier was built in 1867, linking the town to a small island.

During World War II, the pier was home to the Department for Miscellaneous Weapon Development.