Shortlist for island development

The competition winner will be announced in March 2008

Six designs have been shortlisted for the redevelopment of Birnbeck Island and pier in Somerset following an international architecture competition.

The pier which connects the island to Weston-super-Mare opened in 1867.

It had been designed to attract the thousands of visitors brought by paddle steamers to the island.

The Urban Splash competition aims to revitalise the site with public access, new attractions and facilities to draw visitors to the area.

No decision has yet been made on whether the final design for the site will be purely commercial or a mix of commercial and residential buildings.

Entries came in from Hong Kong, Russia, Canada and the USA.

The original island development was completed in 1866 and designed by the pier builder Eugenius Birch.

Birnbeck Pier opened in 1867

The last ferry journey to the island was made in 1979.

"I think it is a great idea to mount a design competition," said councillor Elfan Ap Rees, deputy leader of North Somerset Council.

"It reflects the importance of the site and its unique location as the only island in the country connected to the mainland by a pier.

"It also acknowledges the keen interest shown in the future of Birnbeck by local residents and the possible role the island can play in the regeneration of this area of Weston-super-Mare."

During World War II, Birnbeck was taken over by the Admiralty for the Department for Miscellaneous Weapons Development.

After the war the pier once again became a popular tourist attraction but has since fallen into serious disrepair.

The shortlisted designs are currently being exhibited to the public at the Architecture Centre in Bristol until 9 March.

The winners will be announced in March 2008, and it is the intention of Urban Splash to build the winning design.