Work on the construction of a new truncated Pier in Colwyn Bay could begin as early as spring 2019 after a designer was named to draw plans.

Donald Insall Associates were chosen by Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) to draw up the construction designs for the new truncated pier in Colwyn Bay.

CCBC have been evaluating submissions after a tender process was advertised earlier this year.

The Council’s Victoria Pier Project Board met last month to consider the submissions and choose the preferred contractor.

Cllr Brian Cossey, project board chairperson, said: “The quality of submissions was very good, we had plenty of aspects to consider and I’m pleased that we were able to agree to award the contract to Donald Insall Associates.

"They are Chartered Architects and Historic Building Consultants and I’m pleased to note that they have an office right here in Conwy.

"We’re eager to see this project through to its successful conclusion and awarding this contract is a positive step in the process.”

Building a truncated pier was one of the conditions of being allowed to dismantle the old unstable structure.

With the dismantling complete it is now time for the next step.

Over the next few months Donald Insall Associates will draw up detailed construction designs, based on the outline plans given planning permission last year.

This will include the structure of the truncated pier itself and the pathway that runs alongside the promenade underneath the pier.

Any necessary approvals will be sought and then it is hoped to go to tender for the construction work by the end of the year. In which case, work could start as early as spring next year.

Alongside these arrangements the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust, with the support of the CCBC, are developing proposals and funding applications for the future restoration and re-creation of a more substantial pier.

Chairman of the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust, Mark Roberts, said: “The Trust is pleased with the progress that is being made. The truncated pier approximates what would have been the first phase of our own scheme.

"This is just the beginning of a longer journey. The Trust has embarked on its own conceptual scheme which will evolve, as the Trust will. Our detailed plans will be drawn prior to going out to public consultation to elicit the public’s views.

"We have every faith in our team of experts to deliver a scheme which will benefit Colwyn Bay.

"The close working relationship that has developed between the Trust and Conwy County Borough Council should ensure that this will be the case as we draw on its guidance and expertise as well.”