Poll

What should be done with Colwyn Bay Pier?

Demolish it
Carry out basic renovation (spend up to £5m)
Carry out comprehensive renovation, including all buildings (spend up to £10m)

Author Topic: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier  (Read 385974 times)

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Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #75 on: October 26, 2010, 08:23:44 am »
*innocently* You've not commented on this one yet, Trojan?  $bounce$

Offline Trojan

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #76 on: October 26, 2010, 08:31:34 am »
*innocently* You've not commented on this one yet, Trojan?  $bounce$

I was waiting for you to move it into a windfarms topic.

The bet was for Gwynt-y-Mor don't forget, which will not be constructed until 2011.

Your photo is of Rhyl Flats Windfarm. Gwynt-y-Mor windfarm will be much larger - 250 turbines the height of Blackpool Tower.  Z@@


Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #77 on: October 26, 2010, 08:49:26 am »
But you can see straight away that the existing wind turbines look nothing like that portrayed in the SOS mockup?  ¢¢##

Offline Trojan

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #78 on: October 26, 2010, 09:27:20 am »
But you can see straight away that the existing wind turbines look nothing like that portrayed in the SOS mockup?  ¢¢##

Correct.

Well, looks like we're down to 160 from 250 now for Gwynt-y-Mor.

Look at the size of the propeller blades in this BBC clip - almost 50 metres long.  :o They're enough to give John Lawson-Reay a bad hair day  $fan$

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10235242
« Last Edit: October 26, 2010, 09:31:04 am by Trojan »

Offline Quiggs

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #79 on: October 26, 2010, 12:25:15 pm »
Impossible.   :D
Dictum Meum Pactum

Offline Fester

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #80 on: October 26, 2010, 11:28:49 pm »
I advocate a guerilla movement ... to blow those evil, monstrous machines out of the seabed... and into smithereens.
Just like on War of the Worlds!

Fester...
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Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #81 on: November 26, 2010, 08:09:35 pm »
I'm led to believe that an announcement on the future of Colwyn Bay Pier may be coming shortly, and it should be positive news.

Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #82 on: March 17, 2011, 01:39:16 pm »
The Victoria Pier Pressure Group's vision for the Pier:

Colwyn Bay Victoria pier - The social enterprise vision.                 
 
 
Introduction.
 
The Victoria pier in Colwyn Bay provides a focal point on the sweeping promenade which extends from
Old Colwyn to Rhos on Sea to visitors arriving by road or train as they approach Colwyn Bay.
Unfortunately, the pier has fallen into disrepair in recent years and contributes little to either the local
community or the attraction of tourists beyond being an unattractive curiosity and polarising opinion.
 
Colwyn Bay is embarking upon an ambitious and much needed regeneration programme for both the town
and it’s popular promenade, identifying a long term sustainable future for the Victoria pier is an essential
element in this process.
 
The Colwyn Bay Victoria Pier pressure group is a group of local residents and business people who
passionately believe that the pier can once again contribute to the future of the local economy and
community whilst conserving the heritage of a bygone age.
 
The Victorians are are associated with the introduction of many innovations, inventions and engineering
marvels. It is also an age synonymous with the development of the ‘social enterprise’ as a business model,
investing in the sustainable development of communities, their welfare and personal development.
 
The vision of the Colwyn Bay pier pressure group is to refurbish the Victoria pier, develop and maximise
year round income generation opportunities, provide sustainable work and training opportunities for local
people who may be economically or socially inactive and establish an educational facility focussing on the
history of the pier and the development of renewable energy provided by the offshore wind farm viewed
from the pier and promenade. 
 
The regeneration of the Victoria pier as a not for profit enterprise will ensure that all surpluses created will
be re-invested in the ongoing conservation of the pier and improving the quality  and quantity of much
needed work and training opportunities available for local people
 
The following document outlines how this can be achieved. 
 
 
The Social Enterprise model.
 
The Colwyn BayVictoria Pier pressure group is currently working with the Wales Co-operative Centre to
constitute itself as a social enterprise. The enterprise is likely to be constituted as either a Company Limited
by guarantee or as a Community Interest Company, it is hoped to have the company constituted by the end
of January 2011.
 
The company name should reflect the nature of the enterprise, it’s aspirations and, for the purposes of
attracting investment and publicity, be easily remembered. 
 
The company name chosen for this enterprise is ‘Shore Thing’, in two words literally describing what the
pier is and providing a motivational positive image for those accessing the work and training  opportunities
created by the enterprise.
 
The enterprise’s voluntary Directors will be appointed democratically by the Pier pressure group with great
attention being paid to ensuring that relevant skills are represented on the Voluntary Board to manage the
fiscal, administrative, logistical and operational requirements of a project of this magnitude. It is also
important that knowledge and experience in running successful social enterprise is also represented at
Board level.
 
To ensure that the local community is represented, consulted and informed at all times, it would be
preferable for an elected community representative to sit on the Board. Furthermore, local people will be
able to become members of the social enterprise and have voting rights at the AGM.   
 
Heritage.
 
It is the aim of ‘Shore Thing’ to promote the Victorian heritage of the pier to both local people and visitors
to the area.
 
The pier will house a permanent historical exhibition raising awareness of the pier’s history and it’s
contribution to the development of the town and the local economy over the years. Guided tours will be
promoted to local schools to ensure that local children are given access to local history learning
opportunities. All visitors will be able to access exhibitions, literature and guided tours informing them of
not only the pier’s history, but also a history of ‘Social enterprise’ from Victorian times to the model that is
‘Shore Thing’. This will provide an added dimension and focus for the work already undertaken by
the Colwyn Community First  Partnership which has a multi generational heritage project. This
group, with significant input from the Colwyn Bay Civic Society, have developed a guided walk
around the town using multi media and are party to the Councils Townscape Heritage Initiative
proposals.
 
The development of  income generation activities on the pier will aim to focus on re-establishing some of
the skills synonymous with a traditional seaside pier in days gone by. For example, a confectionary outlet
on the pier will be unique in hand making it’s products on site in full view of the public creating an
attraction in itself.
 
The refurbishment of the pier and it’s buildings, although not yet at the formal planning stage, should
reflect and celebrate the innovation and splendour of the Victorians but also acknowledge contemporary
advances in environmentally sound design and construction techniques, many of which hark back to
Victorian times. This link between past and present will also form part of the permanent exhibition and
educational opportunities.
 
Local community.
 
The work of the Victoria Pier Pressure group over the last 2 years has established that general opinion
within the community is in favour of saving the pier from demolition as it is a symbol of the town’s seaside
heritage. To refurbish the pier would in itself therefore be of benefit to the community.
 
To regenerate the pier as a social enterprise focussed on creating sustainable work and training
opportunities for the benefit of local people requiring support back into work would, it stands to reason,  be
much appreciated by the community. 
 
‘Shore Thing’ will seek contracts and partnerships with local organisations (WCVA, Probation Service,
Social Services etc) to provide opportunities for personal development, training and employment for their
clients. All opportunities will be designed to improve the self esteem, basic skills, confidence, social
integration, practical skills and the employment prospects of all participating.  By providing these valuable
opportunities,  ‘Shore Thing’ will contribute to reducing local crime rates, substance misuse, anti-social
behaviour and homelessness.
 
All opportunities created will be directly contributing to the operation of the pier, it’s income generation
activities and it’s facilities. Therefore, each participant will leave a legacy for future participating
beneficiaries.
 
Colwyn Bay, it is generally acknowledged, is lacking a reasonable sized events venue. The refurbishment
of the pier pavilion will provide an accessible venue for the town and will provide opportunity to attract
traditional entertainment to the area to the benefit of local hoteliers, businesses and local economy.
 
The pier enjoyed it’s hey day in the 1950’s and 1960’s and there is an opportunity to develop annual events
which tap into the trend for nostalgia. As nearby Llandudno is synonymous with it’s annual Victorian
extravaganza held over 4 days boosting business in the town, Colwyn Bay could create an annual event
(1950’s themed weekends!) which would benefit local business in the same way. The pier could be the
focal point for such an event, putting on live entertainment and dances in the pavilion.
 
It is important that local people view the pier as part of their community and not as an independent entity.
‘Shore Thing’ will endeavour to work with local council to integrate it’s activities and facilities into the
strategic vision for Colwyn Waterfront as a community and visitor facility.
 
 
Income generation.
 
‘Shore Thing’ fully support the vision for the Waterfront and recognize how the pier can provide facilities
and premises which will help make the whole area a significant attraction and help change the future of the
town.   As a social enterprise, ‘Shore Thing’ will be able to supplement traditional income generating
streams by the generation of  income from contracts to deliver training and return to work initiatives as well
as providing opportunities for clients of the criminal justice sector and adults with learning/physical
disabilities. Generally, opportunities would be of 6 month duration, at the end of which the participant
would have secured a ‘positive’ outcome (mainstream employment, self employed, further education for
example).  However, bespoke contracts can be developed to provide longer term opportunities for
individuals who require intense support (persistent offenders / substance abusers).
 
These social opportunities are provided in the real business environment of the ‘Shore Thing’ pier
enterprise. Without the income generated by these activities and facilities, it is unlikely that sufficient
income would be generated to make the pier sustainable. 
 
(NB At this point I think we should provide an example of how this works and the cash surplus it can
produce. We need to convince HLF that there is a real possibility of  creating a surplus approaching £200K
pa in the medium term to cover ‘extraordinary R&M costs’ Have you got anything Jay?)
 
Although no firm decisions have been made, at this early stage, of the exact balance of facilities to be
provided  ideas being discussed by ‘Shore Thing’ include:
 
- Handmade confectionary outlet and visitor attraction.
- Fishing tackle and bait outlet.
- Cafeteria
- Upmarket restaurant similar to the Jamie Oliver ‘Fifteen’ model.
- Music / entertainment  /  special occasions venue (including catering).
- Handmade art and craft outlet
- Small kiosks for local business rental
- Casino
- Conference facilities
- Unique accommodation
- Pizzeria
- Handmade ice cream outlet.
- Guided educational tours.
 
Partnerships.
 
For a venture of this scale to realise it’s full potential, it is vital that mutually productive partnerships are
developed with local, regional and national government, Non government organisations and the private
sector at both the renovation and subsequent management stages.  The recognition by the Bay Life
Regeneration Board that the pier needs to renovated and its potential contribution to the towns sustainable
future provides ‘Shore Thing’ with a good start in establishing such partnerships.
 
Although ‘Shore Thing’ will be seeking to access grants for both the refurbishment and capacity building
phases of the project, it will view any grants secured as ‘investments’ because it will ensure that funders get
a return for their ‘investment’. ‘Shore Thing’ has no interest in securing investment beyond it’s own ability
to create surplus for reinvestment and will employ sound management and business practices to achieve
this aim.
 
Investment may not only be secured by way of financial contribution, some partnerships will be developed
to secure in kind support such as financial management or access to training facilities. These partnerships
are every bit as valuable as monetary investment as they enable local organisations to optimise resources
with little financial impact. The following bodies are examples of potential key partners in the delivery of
this project:
 
Conwy County Borough Council.Conwy 
 
County Borough Council is widely acknowledged as being supportive to local social enterprises having
developed successful partnerships in the last 10 years with Crest Co-operative and Conwy Furniture
Reclaim, both leading Welsh social enterprises. The Council has also been proactive in supporting and
assisting in the establishment of ‘Conwy Rural Development Centre Ltd’.  Its base – Glasdir – was
developed by the Council on its behalf on a Council site and now leased to the company to manage as core
to its rural community and business development objectives.
 
Conwy County Borough Council has been extremely supportive of the ‘Shore Thing’ social enterprise
vision for the regeneration of the Victoria pier. Furthermore, they have pledged to support and facilitate the
realisation of the vision by giving access to officers and business development managers within the
authority.
 
 
Wales Council for Voluntary Action.
 
Securing contracts with the WCVA to deliver Intermediary Labour Market (ILM) employment
opportunities for local economically inactive people is a key part of the business plan. WCVA are also able
to provide access to training for fledgling social enterprises.
 
Wales Co-operative Centre.
 
WCC have been invaluable to the group in helping to determine the best way forward as a social enterprise,
additional training and support is available to the group and the Directors of ‘Shore Thing’ once
constituted. Note that WCC are the recognized deliverers of business support to social enterprises by the
Welsh Assembly Government.
 
 
Criminal  Justice sector.
 
Both the Probation Service and North Wales Police have indicated their interest in supporting the vision
based on the innovative work undertaken in the County over the last few years in engaging persistent
offenders in supportive employment opportunities. This work was developed by a member of the Victoria
 pier pressure group in their role of  Director at local social enterprise Crest Co-operative.
 
 
Llandrillo College.
 
The local college in Rhos on Sea will be key in providing specific skills training (catering etc) to staff and
beneficiaries at ‘Shore Thing’. Furthermore, they are interested in exploring the opportunities that could be
developed to place students for work experience within the activities on the pier.
 
Local social enterprises.
 
Directors at both Crest Co-operative and Conwy Furniture Reclaim have indicated that they are keen to
explore potentials areas for partnership with ‘Shore Thing’. Having these successful social enterprises as
partners will only serve to enhance the potential for success of the project.
 
 
Private sector.
 
RWE npower renewable energy have indicated that they wish to engage in discussions relating to support
for an educational facility being developed on the pier. They are also encouraging ‘Shore Thing’ to engage
in the process of accessing the annual Community Benefits Package currently available as a result of the
Rhyl Flats offshore windfarm, but also a larger £3/4M pa fund for  North Wales communities as a result of
the forthcoming Gwynt y Mor offshore windfarm.. 
 
Both ‘Shore Thing’ and the Council will wish to specify, as part of any tender process for the renovation
of the pier, that the Contractor must employ a number of local unemployed people being supported by local
social enterprise. This is a key priority within the North Wales Coast Regeneration Area and an
arrangement that has proven to be highly successful for the employee and contractor alike in other contracts
developed in the County by local social enterprises, e.g. Housing Associations.
 
It is proposed that some retail space on the pier will be rented to local businesses, again they will be
encouraged to provide opportunities for people being supported by ‘Shore Thing’.
 
 
Potential investors.
 
Although much work has to be done in attracting investment for the refurbishment and initial capacity
building phases of the project, the following are some of the potential sources of support:
 
- Heritage lottery
- The big lottery
- Community benefits package 
- Local Investment Fund
- Welsh Assembly Government
- European Social Fund
- Independent trusts
- Environmental grants bodies
- Local benefactors
- Educational / training grants
- Aggregates levy fund.
 
In addition to these potential investors, ‘Shore Thing’ will endeavour to identify other potential investors
and match funders to ensure that risk to funders is minimised.
 
Summary.
 
The regeneration of Colwyn Bay is long overdue and will spark new optimism though out the community,
the refurbishment and regeneration of the pier as a sustainable vibrant enterprise can contribute enormously
to the improved opportunities for the community.
 
By employing the social enterprise model for the pier, investing income generated in local people who, in
turn, are contributing to both the conservation of local heritage and the local economy, we can ensure that
the pier regains it’s place as a popular local attraction for generations to come.
 
 
Jay Martin
 
Colwyn Bay pier pressure group.
 
January 2011.
 

Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #83 on: March 17, 2011, 01:43:53 pm »
The cost of dismantling and rebuilding the Pier comes in at £6,400,000, mainly in capital expenditure.  The project costs should be broken down as follow:  

- Development costs: £ 300 000
- Capital Work: £ 5 500 000  
- Activity Costs: £ 300 000
- Other  project costs: £ 300 000
25% of the project costs will be match-funded with funds from the Welsh Assembly Governement, CADW and fundraising/sponsorship.  

....and involves the following:

Restoring the Colwyn Bay Victoria Pier will require the three stages:  

Stage 1 Dismantling Works
o          Set up secure site area on promenade allowing beach access throughout project
o          Dismantle the Pavilion
o          Carefully dismantle Cast iron handrails, standards and infill’s  
o          Remove timber decking and joists retaining sound for later reuse
o          Carefully dismantle steelwork superstructure of Pier  
o          Dismantle Cast Iron supporting columns  

Stage 2 Refurb / Repairing Works
o          Refurbishment of steelwork superstructure of Pier  
o          Refurbishment of Cast iron Columns  
o          Refurbish piles
o          Refurbishment of existing and manufacture of new Cast Iron infill’s to match
o          Installation of refurbished columns into prepared Cast Iron pile sockets
o          Re-erection of Pier superstructure up to deck level  
o          Install new timber posts and decking
o          Fix refurbished / new handrails, standards and install Cast Iron infill’s
o          Construct new timber edge detail  
o          Redecoration

Stage 3 Renovating Works
o          Construction of a new Pavilion and ancillary structures, including entrance kiosks and bandstand

All information courtesy of the FOI Act

Offline Fester

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #84 on: March 18, 2011, 09:02:21 pm »
So...has any progress been anounced then?

Or is it all still in a state of limbo?

Fester...
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Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #85 on: March 18, 2011, 09:20:38 pm »
Imminent announcement, mate.

Offline Fester

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #86 on: March 18, 2011, 11:04:17 pm »
Imminent announcement, mate.

 _))* _))* _))*   We both fell for that one didn't we?    L0L L0L L0L
Fester...
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Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #87 on: March 18, 2011, 11:10:46 pm »
I've received a couple of emails today that leads me to believe that imminent actually means imminent this time....  ;)

Offline Fester

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #88 on: March 18, 2011, 11:29:10 pm »
In that case...knowledge is indeed power!   Y^^Y
Fester...
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Offline DaveR

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Re: The long running saga of Colwyn Bay Pier
« Reply #89 on: March 19, 2011, 11:31:25 am »
There was a meeting yesterday with the WAG Minister for Regeneration, Colwyn Bay Pier Pressure Group and AM Darren Millar to discuss the future of the Victoria Pier.
http://twitter.com/DarrenMillarAM/status/48709505080504320