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Contractor to repair historic pier still not found

Amy WoodwardLocal Democracy Reporting Service
LDRS An aerial shot of Bournemouth Pier taken during the day. It comprised several buildings and structures, including a traditional helter-skelter slide. To the right, the edge of the beach is visible, with dozens of people gathered around by the sea. LDRS
Bournemouth Pier is set to undergo a £9.6m restoration programme designed to extend its lifespan by 25 years

A council has been unable to find a contractor to repair a historic pier despite work being expected to begin this year.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council allocated £9.6m towards restoring Bournemouth Pier, with the work expected to extend the structure's lifespan by 25 years.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the authority has yet to appoint a contractor, although it still expects work to begin in autumn 2026.

The project was originally due to start in 2024, but faced multiple delays, including a failed tender process in 2025.

LDRS A platform connected the the pier via a staircase. The platform, a narrow jetty, is in visible disrepair. A metallic banister that extends around its perimeter is rusted and parts of it are missing. LDRS
The restoration will include the removal of timber landing stages and measures to prevent corrosion

In March 2023, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council received £20m from the government as part of the Levelling Up Fund and allocated almost half of the funding towards the 146-year-old pier.

The works will include concrete repairs, a protection system to prevent corrosion and the removal of timber landing stages.

In March 2026, Councillor Richard Herrett, BCP Council's cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: "Our initial tender for the works to restore Bournemouth Pier closed at the end of September 2025, with no suitable bids received.

"As part of this process we did gain valuable feedback on the project. This has informed the revised tender which will be advertised shortly.

"Subject to tender returns, we hope to start work in the autumn and complete within 18 months."

No contractor has yet been appointed, but the council still expects work to begin in autumn 2026.

BCP Council said the delays had not affected the funding allocated to the project.

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