Hamworthy’s Lake Pier has reopened following the completion of a major refurbishment scheme.
Steel has been used to re-strengthen the structure and new side beams and handrails have been installed throughout the length of the historic pier, with rock used to reinforce 55 metres of harbour frontage to protect the pier head and car park from coastal erosion.
Funding for the £330,000 was secured through the Community Infrastructure Levy – a planning charge on new developments which is then reinvested in local facilities – with the project delivered on-budget.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “This crucial work has helped secure the future of Lake Pier as we head towards its 100th anniversary.
“I am particularly pleased that we have been able to re-invest Community Infrastructure Levy funds into fixing the pier’s structure. Funding projects in this way ensures we are able to improve facilities that matter most to their communities.
The timber pier was built in 1939 and was used as a fuelling station throughout the Second World War.
Key repairs were identified during a 2023 safety inspection and the environmentally sensitive position of the pier meant construction work could only take place during certain weeks.