John Sisk & Son Ltd. (Sisk), one of the largest construction groups in the UK and Ireland, has celebrated the Topping Out Ceremony of the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare, which was devastated by fire last year.

The Grand Pier is on time and on budget to reopen in the summer and it has been on a tight building schedule since August. The rebuilt pier will feature a new and enlarged Pavilion, with bigger and better rides and visitor facilities.

During the ceremony Kerry Michael, the Pier owner, tightened the last bolt to secure the roof on the north-east tower and addressed the audience gathered:

“Having overcome the initial shock and despair of losing the Pavilion, we went through the difficult process of obtaining all the necessary permissions and now finally, we are in the exciting phase where we can see the building taking shape every day. The internal fit out begins next week and we can't wait for the day it opens.” 

The weather has added to the challenge of building out at sea, but the Sisk team has met these challenges with innovative solutions to ensure the project is seen through to completion.

Paul Wilson, Managing Director, Sisk added:

“It is fascinating to work on a landmark built in another age and we have had our challenges building 350 metres out to sea. However, we have been able to rely on the expertise and commitment of the Sisk team and our partners who have kept the project on track to reopen in the summer.”

“We have now reached a stage where the structure is in place and we are moving to complete the fabric of the building.  What comes next is filling this space around us with the rides and attractions that will put Weston Super Mare Grand Pier back in its rightful place at the heart of this resort.”