Birkbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, is to have a £70m makeover, in the hope of regenerating the surrounding area.

The plan, drawn up by architect Evata, is to restore the grade II-listed pier and redevelop an adjoining island – which would then be linked by a monorail.

The proposal is for a mixed-use glasshouse development on Birkbeck Island including homes, shops and an ice rink.

The ambitious plan for the pier has been given cautious support by North Somerset council, which hopes to see a landmark seaside site brought back into use.

The project is being undertaken by a private developer but nearly fell through when it emerged that the Crown Estate still owned the freehold along the seafront.

The pier, designed by Eugenius Birch – the man behind Brighton’s now-ruined West Pier – opened in 1867, but lost trade after the rival Grand Pier opened in 1904.