Major repairs to Bournemouth Pier are now expected to finish in early 2028.
BCP Council says the restoration project, supported by government Levelling Up Fund investment, has been delayed after the initial tender process closed in September 2025 without any suitable bids from contractors.
Around £9.6million of the £19.9million funding awarded to the council in March 2023 has been allocated to the pier works, which will include concrete repairs, a corrosion protection system and the removal of timber landing stages.
Once completed the improvements are expected to extend the lifespan of the structure by around 25 years.
The council had previously expected work to begin in winter 2024, later revising this to late 2025 or early 2026, but the latest update suggests construction could now start in autumn 2026 and take around 18 months.
Councillor Richard Herrett said feedback from the original tender has helped shape a revised process and the council hopes to begin work in the autumn subject to suitable bids.
The National Piers Society says ensuring the right contractor is chosen is important for this type of engineering project.
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