"We, the undersigned, as local residents, but also as past & future tourists to Weston-Super-Mare, lend our support to a self-sustainable business on Birnbeck Island, in order to financially secure the 154 year old pier that connects it to the mainland.

We understand that a group of international investors & local entrepreneurs have approached the current owners, CNM Estates, to purchase the entire Birnbeck land development (and restoration liability) with a vision to take full ownership of the project & transform the Island into a modern destination, creating something truly unique for local residents and tourists from around UK.

We would like to show our support of High Tides @ Birnbeck to the local council, show our support for CNM officially ending all ties with the project, and show our support for returning The Lifeboat service to the island without placing the financial burden of restoring the pier onto the charity.

In brief, we, the undersigned, want something good on Birnbeck. We want something cool to happen there. We want something that doesn't already exist in Weston. We don't want gift shops or visitor information centres and we definitely don't want any more arcades. We just want something 'cool' to happen there, something that respects the history and the beauty of the space, keeping it available and accessible to as many different types of people to enjoy as possible. We want the lifeboat service to get back on there. And we really want a roof terrace bar!"

-

While everyone we have spoken to so far (You may have spoken to us at the site since February!) seems very excited for our vision for High Tides @ Birnbeck, and we have a previous track record of creating self-sustainable business models within UK historical buildings to fund their restoration & upkeep, North Somerset Council are, understandably, hesitant to work with private entrepreneurs on the Birnbeck project after decades of failed promises from previous owners.

We have no affiliation to CNM Estates (Birnbeck's owners for 10 years) or any of the other previous owners of Birnbeck. Fresh blood, fresh ideas, fresh vision.

Our investors already understand (and love!) the unique requirements of Birnbeck as both a significant UK historical landmark and as a local economic regeneration initiative, and the deep connection the Lifeboat Service have with the island.

The RNLI like our plan because if we don't do it, they are the ones left facing a £12million estimated repair bill - just for the pier - which would be funded using public funds and donations. As you can imagine, the Lifeboat Service would rather spend their funds on life-saving equipment!

The Named of this petition will be presented to show public support for High Tides @ Birnbeck during ongoing discussions with North Somerset Council, including three primary areas:

(1) Consultations with local Planning & Historic England for the original Hotel: the remains of the Grade II listed pavilions on Birnbeck island need an entirely fresh vision to save them (proposed NCO+CPO plans are to demolish it all). We're asking for some flexibility with our design for our hotel + roof terrace, we want to restore the original pavilions but then extend - upwards! Not unheard of for buildings as far gone as these, but also not commonly done.

(2) Consultations with Planning, Historic England, RNLI & Ministry Of Defence to build a modern sea wall at Birnbeck: for any investor to spend £20+ million on Birnbeck Island, we need to update the island permitter to build modern sea walls to withstand the personality of the Bristol Channel for the generations to come. Very similar to those already in place across most of the WsM pedestrian coastline & Knightstone Island. However, instead of solid stone walls, our designs feature huge 'Ocean Screens' cut into the walls so that high water at High Tides is a truly unique opportunity to get closer to nature. Similar to those used at famous waterfall observation platforms. This means an aesthetic update when viewing the island from across the coastline, but we think everyone is fed up of staring at those rotting posts anyway.

(3) Consultations with Planning & Licensing & Local Regeneration: High Tides @ Birnbeck is a destination, and that vision includes multiple Food & Alcohol outlets on the island in distinctly different areas. There are 3 key areas for public interest in terms of alcohol licensing and employment, and we hope that by signing this petition, you support in principle the creation of the new jobs and opportunities from these venues:

(i) The Lanes are home to 14 independant, local food vendors and 2 alcohol vendors, in an enclosed area along the North & East permitter of the island. We are seeking an alcohol license until 12am for this indoor area, and think it's a great area for friends to come together and socialise as one group, without having to all choose one restaurant! 

(ii) The Sun Lounge is a cafe & lounge offering great food, teas and views across the ocean from the 2nd floor of the hotel. We will be seeking an alcohol license until 10.30pm for this indoor venue, but it's primary focus will be on breakfast, brunch & daytime services. So whether it's a cream tea with mum or a relaxed cocktail with the girls, the Sun Lounge has you covered.

(iii) The Skybar is a semi-enclosed luxury roof terrace Lounge & Bar, offering the most exciting dine & drink experience on the West Coast! Whilst also open for teas, coffees & cocktails through the day, once the sun goes down, Skybar promises a truly unique evening of delicious cocktails and great music. We will be seeking a Late alcohol license for this indoor venue.

-

High Tides @ Birnbeck initial estimates indicate a total of 392 new jobs created. It's a profitable, private project, which we are confident will be able to fund all of the islands ongoing maintenance, host The Lifeboat service (they own a freehold on the island, but cannot afford to access it) without asking for a contribution to the upkeep (saving them millions of pounds, from their own cost estimates), plus leave a surplus for constant re-investment into the resort, as well as pay out our initial investors. Unlike with the previous 2 owners of the island, or North Somerset Council's "last-resort" proposal, there are no "gaps" or bottlenecks that rely on Lotto or Taxpayer funding.

We're trying to fix the island. It would be great to have you onboard.