Pier
We’ll be operating the track as an arrive and drive attraction as well as having a ‘little league’ for younger users who can move up into different levels as they become more competent. “The Robo Coaster has been the most
expensive bit of kit,” she continued, “and we’ll probably never get our money back on it, but it gives us a real ‘wow’ factor attraction.” Arcade machines also played a big part in
the operation prior to the fire and this element will continue to be a major part of the pier’s attractions in its new guise. No less than 500 arcade games of varying types will be available to visitors of all ages, while an adult only gaming area is also included. As has already been touched on, food and
beverage will be another key element of the Grand Pier offering and there will be 26 different F&B outlets in total, ranging from small candy floss kiosks to full banqueting and wedding facilities. Among these will be a 100 seat ice cream parlour, for example, bars and restaurants, while events of varying sizes will be catered for in a number of different function rooms and suites. Indeed, with the pier being operational throughout the year, events will be a major part
of the business, particularly during the winter months, when the main hall within the new pavilion will be changed into a large events space. Weddings, banquets, conferences and other events will be catered for, with all function spaces having different outlooks and USPs, including their own private facilities and deck area. There is even a wedding chapel in one of the four towers in each corner of the pavilion. When fully operational, the Grand Pier will
utilise 270 to 300 staff at peak times, with many of the experienced full time staff switching from summer work to winter jobs when the main summer season ends. And the Michaels have budgeted for 3 million visitors during the first year. “We did 25,000 visitors on a busy day
previously, counted using people counters,” explains Michelle Michael. Clearly, then, Kerry and Michelle Michael
have gone into the project with huge courage, determination and enthusiasm, but what inspired them to rebuild after such a devastating incident back in 2008? “The pier is a Grade 11 listed building,” explains Michelle Michael. “The locals had great
Weston-super-Mare
feelings for the buildings and we were also bombarded by people wanting to know what we were going to do. We never thought about not doing it. We felt we had a responsibility to rebuild it. We opened the landward end just three days after the fire and also created a walkway so people could view the fire damaged building, such was the overall interest. “We held a design competition for the new
pavilion which we wanted to evoke memories of the previous building, with elements such as four corner towers and a flexible space inside.” With the rebuilding work almost complete,
one could forgive the Michaels for sitting back for a while and enjoying the fruits of their labours, but this will not be the case. Plans are already in place to add more attractions in 2011, including a Zamperla Surf’s Up above the covered walkway which runs along the centre of the pier, while further plans include a 70-seat panoramic tower which will provide spectacular views over the surrounding seafront and beyond. “Our intention will be to never stand still so
we will make changes as we go along,” says Michelle Michael.
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