Following a full structural survey earlier this year, a £140k programme of repair works is now getting underway on Deal Pier - with repairs being made to the concrete beams and to the steps which lead down to the lower deck.
The lower deck will remain closed for the 12-week contract period, whilst works take place, and all being well will reopen in January 2025. Both the main part of Deal Pier and the café bar on the pier end will remain open while these works take place.
The commissioning of these works follows on from a Cabinet decision in September last year, when it was agreed to carry out a full structural survey. Piers need continuous repairs and maintenance, as they face the effects of the sea and the coastal weather all year round, and so regular checks need to be undertaken.
The survey took place in April this year, following which DDC took the precautionary measure of temporarily closing the lower deck earlier in the year, as feedback identified that work needed to be done to the steps.
Undertaking these works will mean that in the coming weeks, scaffolding will be put up on the lower deck, and a safety boat will be taking to the water around the pier. Further works to repair some of the damaged concrete on the pier legs are being planned to take place next year.
This is the latest programme of repairs as DDC continues to invest in maintaining Deal Pier for future generations.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC Cabinet Member for Corporate Property, said: “We are pleased to be able to start these repair works, following the structural survey earlier this year. Deal Pier is a popular attraction for both residents and visitors and is a key asset to the district, and it’s important that we continue to invest in it for the future.”
Posted on 25 October 2024