Work has finally started on the restoration of Shotley Pier, with the removal of unsightly concrete slabs at the shoreward end, and their replacement with reclaimed timber.

Reclaimed timbers for Shotley Pier.

The work began on 17th June, having been delayed from March by the national coronavirus emergency. The project is being carried out by Amicus Civil Engineering. A central feature of the refurbished pier will be durable 17-metre Greenheart piles reclaimed from the Woolwich Ferry Terminal and decking boards reclaimed from a pedestrian footbridge over the River Cam.

Dave Gibson, Managing Director of Amicus Civil Engineering, said: “We are very proud to be involved in the first phase of renovations to the historic Shotley Pier. Having worked on Ha’Penny Pier for the past few years, just across the water from Shotley, it is especially pleasing to be continuing the preservation of other important local landmarks. We are looking forward to being part of the team and seeing the pier open to the public in due course.“

Shotley Pier is featured in We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea, the seventh book in Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons series, and the Nancy Blackett Trust has a small share in its restoration.