North Somerset Council in England has announced an open tender to select a specialist contractor for restoration works of the Birnbeck Pier structure in Weston-super-Mare.

The Grade II-listed structure is said to be the only pier in the country that links to an island.

The restoration project includes refurbishing the pier's 15 sets of cast-iron trestles, replacing lattice and structural beams, and installing new bracing, decking, bench seating, handrails, and lighting.

This contract also covers the installation of service ducts necessary for utilities on the island.

The tender follows a collaborative agreement between the council and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), designating the council as the sole employer for the contract.

Last November, this decision was unanimously approved by the council.

The project secured £10m ($12.39m) from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, complementing contributions from the RNLI, The National Heritage Memorial Fund, the UK government, and Historic England.

North Somerset Council executive member responsible for placemaking and councillor Mark Canniford said: “This is an important milestone in the restoration of the much-loved Birnbeck Pier. The contract presents a fantastic opportunity to play a key part in this unique heritage project, and I encourage contractors with the necessary credentials to register their interest by Friday 25 April.

“Progressing to procurement does not commit us to entering the final contract for construction, which would be subject to a further council decision and agreement by all funding partners. However, it allows officers to get a much fuller and robust understanding of detailed construction requirements, costs and risks, prior to a final, informed decision being made.”

In addition to the pier's restoration, plans for refurbishing surrounding Grade II-listed buildings and constructing a new lifeboat station were submitted last month.