In pictures: Weston pier rebuild
The pavilion on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare is currently being rebuilt following a fire in 2008 - photographer Chris Abbot got a behind-the-scenes view of the work.
The West Country photographer is chronicling the work, which will cost £34m, to restore the Grand Pier to its former glory.
Chris was selected as the official photographer after pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael interviewed for the position to document the rebuild.
The start of the week has seen some 70 piles being driven 30m (32.8yds) into the bedrock providing support for the new structure which will feature a roof-height twin-chute helter-skelter in the north west tower.
The work to install the piles will last up to 15 weeks with the rest of the work to create the new pavilion scheduled to finish in time for it to reopen in summer 2010.
The new pavilion will include a selection of attractions including an 85m (92.9yd) panoramic tower that will rise up and revolve 360 degrees.
Michelle Michael said: "We wanted someone that would capture the atmosphere of the rebuild as it is an event that will only happen once and we know that images will be so important to future generations."
A giant barge on the Bristol Channel is currently being used to drive the piles into the seabed.
A lighting scheme for the pier which will cost £1m will see energy-efficient green and blue LEDs illuminate underneath the pier.
Since the fire in 2008, other attractions have appeared on the seafront at Weston-super-Mare including the town's new big wheel.
The new pier design, by Bristol-based architects Angus Meek, was chosen in a competition following the fire.
When the pier reopens it will also feature an Edwardian-style tea room and a "surf board" ride which can hold up to 20 people at a time, taking them on a journey along the roof of the canopy.
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