Weston-super-Mare Grand Pier Redevelopment : News

Winner: Angus Meek Architects, Bristol Grand Pier Redevelopment Competition Weston-super-Mare, England, UK Shortlist: Acanthus Ferguson Mann Angus Meek Architects AWW Grimshaw Ray Hole Architects Stride Treglown Images + information from Angus Meek Architects 1904 Grade II pier destroyed by fire Jul 2008 The scheme is now in an accelerated development process, in response to specific client operational requirements, to enable the planning application to be submitted before Christmas with a target opening for the pavillion in 2010. We are very pleased to have been selected to work on the reconstruction of the Weston Pier with Kerry and Michelle Michael. As an office we have greatly enjoyed developing the design for the new pier and have been very pleased by the public’s response to our proposal. Our aim to provide a thoroughly contemporary building which continues the tradition of the British Pier Pavilion at Weston-Super-Mare and have been encouraged that many people seem to understand and support this. We are now looking forward to developing the design and submitting a planning application as soon as possible. The next stage of work will involve close liaison with Kerry and Michelle in adapting the competition design to suit their detailed requirements. These will include new attractions and rides as well as facilities that the old building was not able to provide; function rooms and restaurants. We will also seek, with the Michaels, to incorporate the many useful ideas and comments contributed by the public during the exhibition. We will also be working closely with the rest of the design team in developing the design to address technical issues such as repairs to the existing pier structure, new building construction, heating, electrical systems and costs. It will also be important to consider at this early stage how the building will actually be constructed – its position 300 meters from the shore and 10m up in the air presents an unusual challenge. We are very excited to have won the competition and look forward to turning our design into a successful reality that will attract many visitors to the pier and Weston. As a practice based in the area, many of us with young children have spent happy times on the beach and pier at Weston and are looking forward to returning along with everyone else to enjoy the new pavilion and its attractions when it is complete. COMPETITION PROPOSALS DESIGN STATEMENT The design is conceived as a 21st century landmark that draws its inspiration from the basic form and character of a traditional pier pavilion. This includes features such as corner towers, articulated roof forms and a symmetry that responds to the journey a visitor makes along the pier walkway. The built from is arranged along this axis, which is generated by the promenade walkway and which culminates at the main entrance to the pavilion. The main entrance welcomes the visitor by revealing the pier’s attractions through a full height multicoloured glass screen. Visitors enter the pavilion beneath a canopy that gives a ‘smile’ to the building. MAIN HALL The great height of the main hall creates a dramatic setting for attractions within the pavilion. The hall is surrounded by mezzanine floors with perimeter walkways that provide clear circulation routes and the opportunity to see or be seen from level to level. Activities within the building will focus on the main hall providing a vibrant and exciting experience. The structure of the new building re-uses the column positions of the previous pavilion, echoing the past pavilion, but with increased height to allow the installation of larger activities. MEZZANINE CAFE A cafe is provided above the main entrance, located to benefit from high level views to the attractions below whilst also allowing visitors to enjoy the ‘rooftop’ view of Weston. SOUTHERN FACADE The southern side of the main hall responds to the sun; with a glazed fa?de providing fantastic sea views from within the pavilion and giving natural light to the interior space. The southern facade incorporates angled coloured panels painted to reflect the multi-coloured beach huts found lining many of the country's traditional resorts. The indented facade also provides seating alcoves, sheltered from the rain, as a place to meet, dine or relax in the sun. NORTHERN FACADE The northern side by contrast is more shady and therefore a more suitable place for locating support accommodation such as visitor toilets, storage, plantrooms and workshop areas as well as staff facilities and offices. Through-routes are still provided allowing full permeability between the main floor and the promenade walkways. JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE PIER The Western Pier Spur, sited at the end of the axis along the promenade and through the building, becomes a ‘destination’ housing restaurant and cafe facilities to cater for varied tastes and food options. The route between the main pavilion and the spur is by means of a glass corridor providing all year round protection from the elements. Kitchen and toilet blocks serving the restaurant are positioned either side of this axial route that opens into the double height glazed restaurant at the end of the pier. Within the restaurant a mezzanine deck provides elevated views across the Bristol Channel for diners. The glazing can be protected from the elements by concealed storm shutters housed in the flank walls of the kitchen blocks. The axial route through the restaurant finally space leads out on the lower deck, a quieter contemplative spot to take in the view and sea air. FUNCTION ROOMS Flexible ‘function rooms’ which are capable of adapting to varying sizes and forms of gathering will be provided. Moveable screens and walls together with flexible seating allow the possibility for the pier to become host to a wide variety of events from Weddings to Business Conferences, Performances and Exhibitions. The function space opens onto a private roof terrace. STRUCTURE The building structure has been based on the grid of the retained sub structure with the main structure of the building being a series of lightweight 'space frames'. The re-use of the existing pier piles and columns will also limit the loading and building mass and lightweight forms of construction will have to be used.