Careful marine engineering works restored a historic timber structure, improving resilience against biological attack while preserving heritage features and functionality.
Careful marine engineering works restored a historic timber structure, improving resilience against biological attack while preserving heritage features and functionality.
Client: Yarmouth Harbour Commission
Location: Isle of Wight, Hampshire
Contractor: Mackley Engineering
Yarmouth Pier, opened in 1876, extends 186 metres into the Solent and is recognised as the UK’s longest wooden pier. Owned by Yarmouth Harbour Commission, it serves as a vital landing point for ferry passengers and a focal point for tourism. The £1m refurbishment was driven by significant structural deterioration caused by gribble worm infestation, which compromises submerged timber elements. The project aimed to extend the pier’s lifespan, maintain safe public access, and preserve its historic character as a valued coastal landmark.
AWA acted as both project manager and marine civils designer, leading the delivery of complex marine works in a constrained tidal environment. Our responsibilities included the design and coordination of 50 new piles to strengthen the pier’s substructure, alongside a new pierhead arrangement to improve resilience and usability. We also specified replacement timber decking, ensuring durability while respecting the pier’s traditional appearance and heritage significance.
Delivered in collaboration with Mackley Engineering, the works were carefully sequenced, including dismantling and reinstatement of pier furniture and heritage features. Sustainability was central, with original deck boards reused and reinstated in their exact locations, and removed timber recycled. The project also supported marine biology research into gribble worms, contributing to wider industry knowledge.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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