Laing O'Rourke has been named preferred bidder for a £34m reconstruction on Weston-Super-Mare pier. The pier was ruined last year when a fire ripped through the 104-year-old structure.


The reconstruction plans have now been approved by North Somerset Council, and it is anticipated Laing O'Rouke will start work on the site in July so that the pier is ready to reopen in summer 2010.


Piling work is now underway, with Commercial Marine & Piling installing 70 piles that will support the new structure.