PREPERATION work is ongoing behind the scenes to refurbish Bournemouth Pier from next year. 

BCP Council was awarded £19.9m by the Conservative government’s levelling up fund - £9.5m of which will go towards Bournemouth Pier improvements. 

Residents had previously hit out at the "dreadful" state of the pier over damage to the landing stages, stairs and fenders. 

Responding to questions from the Echo, BCP Council’s cabinet member for destination and commercial operations Richard Herrett could not provide a date when the work will start. 

Previous statements from the local authority hinted it will start in winter 2024/25. 

Cllr Herrett said: “Bournemouth Pier is a complex structure that’s largely made up of submerged reinforced concrete piles. 

“These need substantial restoration work to protect them from corrosion for the next 30 years in the harsh aquatic environment.  

“These works require several mandatory environmental approvals, including from the Marine Management Organisation.  

“Design and tender documentation for the refurbishment is currently being prepared and we aim to deliver the scheme during 2025 and 2026.” 

The council said although it is difficult to accurately predict the lifespan of the pier with its current problems, work to the timber could increase this by 15 to 20 year and 25 to 30 years for the concrete.