Bryher Quay, also known as ‘Bar’ or ‘Anneka’s quay’, is one of two quays on Bryher Island, Isles of Scilly. It serves the population with a jetty accessible at low-to-mid tide that was first built in 1990.
Director Tim Beckett received a phone call from Anneka Rice, TV presenter of the show Challenge Anneka, asking if he could design and build a quay from nothing in three days.
The result was a 50m long jetty, consisting of a timber deck supported by sand-filled caissons.
It was constructed using recycled or locally sourced materials, many of which were donated, along with the labour and plant equipment for the project. In the face of logistical challenges and poor weather – including a Force 8 gale – the work was completed in four days by volunteers.
The quay has been transformational in improving connectivity between the islands, providing a vital transport link for residents.
The quay serviced its community for 18 years before requiring refurbishment, overcoming the initial scepticism from local residents about the quay’s durability in the island’s harsh marine environment.
In the early 2000s, the Duchy of Cornwall invested £3.5 million for an off-island infrastructure programme, which included refurbishing Bryher Quay.
As the Duchy’s appointed engineer, we returned to investigate the jetty’s condition and assess options. We proposed a refurbishment and extension that would prolong the asset’s life for another 25 years.
The extension added around 12m to the bottom end of the jetty with the addition of two concrete-filled caissons, and the timber deck was replaced with a concrete slab.
Anneka Rice officially opened the upgraded quay in January 2008.
