Where the Pier's at!

January 2016

Construction update The end of the Pier Restoration is nearly at hand, and it is a good time to reflect upon what has been achieved in the past two years. Around 70% of the high-level steelwork, which has taken the form of 320 trusses and 850 deck beams, has been replaced.  Over 400 new bull rails and nearly 700 sets of cross bracing have been installed. In all, some 3,000 tonnes of new steel has been fixed.  On top of the steel, all of the timber has been renewed.. There are 50 miles of new deck boards fixed with half a million screws.  These boards are built on 18 miles of joists fixed with 12,000 bolts.  All 1,000 tonnes of Ekki timber is from 100% sustainable resources. There have been many different companies involved with the Construction; the majority of these have been local organisations.  FPE steelworkers and TimberCraft carpenters have formed the backbone of the labour force throughout.  The other contractors and specialists have been here as needed to give us our typical labour strength of 50-60 people. In all over 400 people have worked on the Pier, and each has played a valuable part in getting it to where it is today. The Visitor Centre is coming to completion inside, and outside the cladding with old deck boards is progressing well.  The arena seating on the North end is now being constructed and the glass balustrade will shortly be fixed around the roof. Fitting out of the Old Bandstand Pavilion for the new restaurant is underway.  Everything is now in the final stages heading towards completion early in the New Year ready for the Grand Opening.