June 17, 2010

Rebuilding the Grand Pier in Weston-Super-Mare

The iconic pier is due to reopen in July following a multi-million rebuild after the original pavilion was destroyed by fire in 2008

Grand Pier: The sun shines on the on Grand Pier entrance — The entrance to Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier, which has been rebuilt at a cost of £30 million to a design by Bristol-based Angus Meek Architects
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: People walk on the beach in front of the rebuilt Grand Pier — The Grand Pier will reopen as a year-round, all-weather indoor theme park. Pier owner Kerry Michael said: "There will be 18 brand new rides, plus some of the old favourites. We want to make the Grand Pier in Weston the best pier in the world."
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: People stop to read a bill board — People stop to read a billboard as construction workers complete work on the exterior
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Construction workers complete the interior — The new pavilion will have nearly twice the floor space of its predecessor
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Construction workers finish work to a ride — Between £8m and £9m has been spent on the latest attractions, including Robocoaster - a giant robotic arm ride - and Sidewinder - a swinging pendulum
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Construction workers complete the interior — There will be a Laser Maze and a 4D cinema - like the 3D version but with moving seats, air blasts, water sprays and leg ticklers
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Construction workers inspect the indoor go-kart circuit — Other rides include a new electric go kart track, a helter skelter and an aerial assault course
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Construction workers finish work to a ride — Construction workers finish work on one of the rides in the rebuilt Grand Pier
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Construction workers complete the indoor ghost train — Old favourites set to return include the ghost train
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: Donkeys on the beach — Matthews has also said: "We believe that Weston-super-Mare can become more prosperous. It could be Britain's most sought after seaside destination, with a world-class pier at its heart."
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

Grand Pier: The Grand Pier - Weston-Super-Mare — Tourism in the West Country is worth more than £300m a year and Weston-super-Mare is one of its most important resorts. The Grand Pier is expected to attract more than four million visitors a year
Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Photograph: Matt Cardy/guardian.co.uk

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