Grand Pier (Weston-super-Mare)
Grand Pier is one of a dwindling number of English seaside piers, a fascinating and much loved institution.
It is situated in the Somerset resort of Weston-super-Mare on the Bristol Channel, pointing across to Wales.
Grand Pier is one of two piers in the town, the other being Birnbeck Pier.
Designed by R. Munroe, it was opened in 1904, with a 2000 seat pavilion theatre, shops, cafes and a bandstand. In 1906 a low water landing stage was added, bringing the total length to 2580 feet.
But use by steamers proved difficult and by 1918 much of the landing stage had been dismantled, after which the pier concentrated on amusements.
The pavilion burned down in 1930, and was replaced by a funfair.
Since 1946, many improvements have been made, but disaster struck with a major fire in 2008.
The owners are determined to rebuild and reopen as soon as possible.