Construction Update from the January Newsletter

Work continues with the replacement of the steelwork to the Central and Access sections of the Pier; the old trusses and beams are cut out and replaced with new galvanised steel sections, with the Ekki joists and deck timbers following on.

At the same time we are repairing columns where necessary, particularly those that were replaced in the 1940’s. which are of a poor quality steel. .These all need to be reinforced with a lot of additional bracing installed.. We have now completed a central ‘spine’ up to the Pier Head which gives us access for light vehicles to distribute the materials.

Following the demolition of the old Ballroom, we have extensively surveyed the Pier Head steelwork and established how much of the structure needs to be replaced and which can be retained.  Overall the condition is slightly worse than we had hoped but it is within the contingency that we had allowed.  We will shortly be starting the replacement works which will take at least six months.

The refurbishment of the Bandstand Pavilion continues, the zinc covering to the roof is being finished.  The two ‘pods’ on the West side have been constructed: these will provide the toilets and kitchen support areas.  The steel supports to the main walls will shortly be constructed, with the windows and sliding doors being installed.  This will then allow the works inside the building to be carried out.

The next major stage of the programme is the construction of the new Visitor Centre in the middle of the Pier.  In January we will be boring the six piles to form the foundations for the building and this will be followed by the steel support structure and then the cross laminated timber building.