Clevedon Pier
New life for the 21st century
Our client said….
We can confidently say that through producing an ingenious and elegant design which enhances this loveliest of seaside piers. O’LearyGoss Architects have worked with us to ensure that Clevedon Pier had the finest of visitor centres on this Grade I pier which is a testament to the power of good design their vision.
- Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, Chairman of Trustees
Clevedon Pier first opened in 1869 and is now the only operating Grade I listed seaside pier in the UK.
The Story
In the early 21st century, with increasing maintenance, and limited income, the Trustees decided that to thrive, the Pier needed to be able to offer an enhanced visitor experience.
O’LearyGoss were appointed for an initial feasibility study with an initial brief for ‘toilet facilities’, but when we unlocked more ‘floor area’ by proposing building into the ramp, the aspirations expanded to include substantial visitor facilities.
With our proposal unlocking the opportunity for a full visitor centre, we developed the design and submitted an application for planning permission and listed building consent. Our proposal attracted considerable support, and all consents were granted.
“the proposal to excavate the ramp is ingenious” and “the design of the proposed new structure, a lightweight element that emerges gently from the camber of the ramp appears well considered and we would fully support the contemporary design of this.” …English Heritage (now Historic England).
“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” … Griff Rhys Jones (BBC’s Restoration).
O’LearyGoss Architects remained as architects and team leader to completion; our role including close involvement with the preparation of funding bids.
The new visitor centre houses a cafe and kitchen, WCs, meeting room, a viewing deck and associated storage over three levels. It is fully accessible. The majority of the building is built into the existing pier ramp. On the lowest level, a “Porthole Room” looks out to sea through the elegant arches of the pier.
Emerging from the pier ramp is the frameless glass structure containing the cafe, now affectionately known as ‘the Glass Box’.
The original Victorian Toll House at the pier entrance was also re-fitted to include retail and exhibition spaces.
The construction was complex, taking place over two winters on the very edge of the second highest tidal range in the world. O’LearyGoss Architects led a full design team, and acted as contract administrators for the traditional construction contract.
The rejuvenated pier has continued to thrive as a successful historic and much loved visitor attraction.
The project was winner of ‘People’s Favourite’ at the Historic England Angel Awards; shortlisted for RICS Tourism & Leisure Award 2017 and shortlisted for RIBA South West Award 2018.
Project Team:
Client: Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust
Consulting structural & civil engineers: BDP
Consulting services engineers: Houghton Greenlees Associates
Cost consultant: Trevor Humphreys
Contractor: Beard Construction