Designs for new pier unveiled

A SERIES of exciting designs for the new pavilion on Weston's Grand Pier have been unveiled.

Six architects have been hand-picked to compete for the redesign of the pavilion, which was destroyed in a massive blaze in July.

Four of the shortlisted candidates are based in Bristol, and two in London.

Between them they have helped design landmarks including the Eden Project, New York's World Trade Centre and London's Cutty Sark centre.

Companies competing for the £10-15 million contract are Bristol based Stride Treglown Architects, AWW, Angus Meek Architects and Acanthus Ferguson Mann, and London based Grimshaw and Ray Hole Architects

Stride Treglown's design has a giant Ferris wheel with a glass pavilion.

Architect Kevin Steer said: "I am keen to see a design worthy of the 21st century.

"We believe we've got a very striking design and not a conventional pier building.

"It is very important that the pier is sustainable and there are some really intriguing opportunities."

AWW is the company responsible for Bahrain's World Trade Centre.

Their design for the pier is very futuristic looking, with a glass pavilion, with a monorail vehicle travelling along roller coaster tracks.

Angus Meek Architects, the company behind New York's World Trade Centre and Birnbeck Island, said a team of five or six architects were working on its entry.

The design shows a coloured glass pavilion with a wave shaped undercover walkway.

Architect Roger Elams said: "The issue for us is to reflect the historical built form of piers in a modern age.

"It's up to the observer to interpret how modern it is.

"We've thrown open the office to a lot of creative discussion."

The design by Acanthus Ferguson Mann shows a metal wave shape, with two walkways to the shore.

Grimshaw, the company behind the Eden Project in Cornwall, has designed a slanting yellow pavilion with a walkway around the structure.

Sketches from London-based architect Ray Hole show a space age chrome and glass design.

Co-owner Kerry Michael said: "They have all put a tremendous amount of work into these designs and we now have to look at the details before making a decision on the way forward.

"Our criteria are that it be environmentally friendly, as fuel-efficient as it can be, possibly neutral, perhaps with solar panels and wind energy.

"We set out a brief for the architects and this is their interpretation.

"Our view has always been that we want an up-to-date building that is an exciting leisure attraction that also reflects the tradition of being the centre-piece of a Victorian seafront.

"Now we must look at the costing's of how much the designs will require to be built and how much will have to be spent on running costs and maintenance in the future; what attractions can fit into and alongside the designs and also take into account the views of people who visit the pier."

Valerie Bateman, aged 58, of Baytree Road said that her favourite design was by Acanthus Ferguson Mann.

She said: "It is about time Weston became more modern.

"Everyone talks about Weston being a Victorian town, but I think we need to move forward.

"The children would love this design."

Darren Andrews, aged 21, of Oakfield Avenue, thought that the Ray Hole design was the best.

He said: " We cant have exactly the same again.

"However we have only had a brief insight into the designs here, it really depends on whats inside."

A task force representing five organisations – English Heritage, the Environment Agency, Government Office South West, South West Regional Development Agency and South West Tourism - must approve the design.

The pier designs will be on display in the H2O bar on Weston seafront from 10am to 6pm daily, until Monday October 6.

To have your say on the designs, or to vote on your favourite visit www.thisiswestonsupermare.co.uk