Bournemouth | Posted on September 21st, 2026 | return to news

Deteriorating landing stages to be removed from Bournemouth Pier

Work to remove deteriorating landing stages from Bournemouth Pier is due to start on 21 September as part of a project to protect the iconic landmark.

The removal of landing stages from Bournemouth Pier has been prioritised following a specialist engineering inspection. The inspection found that the deteriorating landing stages pose an immediate risk to people using the water below, and to the concrete substructure of the pier itself.

The first phase of work involves the removal of approximately 600 metal floor grilles which form the floor of the lower level of timber landing stages. Each one weighs around half a ton and will be carefully dismantled by a specialist contractor.

Specialist safety equipment will be used to access the lower landing stages, remove the metal grilles and lift them onto the pier using a compact crane. The work is expected to take around 11 to 12 weeks.

Most of the work will take place overnight, Monday to Friday, between 11pm and 8am so the pier can remain open during the day and keep disruption to residents, visitors and businesses to a minimum.

“Bournemouth Pier means a great deal to local people and is loved by visitors from across the country,” said Councillor Richard Herrett, BCP Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the seafront.

He added, “We know people want to see it fully restored – and so do we. But recent tender information has shown the full programme would cost far more than the funding currently available.

“That means we need to be realistic about what can be achieved with the funding available.

“Our immediate priority is the most urgent safety works – not only to protect the pier itself, but primarily for the safety of those in the water, close to or directly below the pier.

“This is not the end of the conversation about Bournemouth Pier’s future, but it is the responsible first step with the funding available.”

Further stages of work, involving the removal of the timber structures that form the landing stages and repairs to the concrete substructure will need to follow.

Updates will be provided by BCP Council ahead of each future phase of work.