Architects Levitate have won the competition to revitalise Birnbeck Pier at Weston-Super-Mare, England (see our earlier story for details of the competition).

Five other architects were shortlisted for the competition, organised by developer Urban Splash: AOC Architecture Ltd, London; FLACQ Architects, London; MOH Architects, Vienna; Pierre d’Avoine / White Young Green Planning & Design, Cardiff; and Richards Partington Architects, London.

Here’s the press info from Urban Splash:

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LEVITATE TEAM WINS BIRNBECK PIER AND ISLAND COMPETITION

A design concept which reflects the past, whilst adding exciting new contemporary buildings, has won the international architectural competition staged by Urban Splash and the Royal Institute of British Architects for Birnbeck Pier and Island, Weston-super-Mare. Urban Splash will now work closely with the winning team from Levitate Architecture and Design Studio Ltd to develop the outline concept into a final design.

Levitate, which has offices in London and Bristol, impressed the judges by its understanding of the location, its history and the memories associated with it. Whilst recognising the need for modern, commercially viable development on the island, the team demonstrated real clarity of thought about the way the old and new can work together in bringing Birnbeck back to life.

Explains George Ferguson, chairman of the judges: “The six shortlisted entries provided us with a remarkable range of striking ideas, each with real merit. Our task was not only to pick the broad design approach but also to select a team of architects with real empathy and commitment to the project and a clear willingness to work closely alongside the client and stakeholders to develop and deliver a scheme that works well for Weston.”

Levitate’s scheme centres on rebalancing development on Birnbeck Island, revealing the island’s natural beauty and removing the unsightly decks that shroud it. It recognises the island’s history and adds two new elevated linear buildings. These may include a hotel, leisure and residential accommodation.