Contractor to repair historic pier still not found

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.

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.