Sparks fly as a new future for Ramsey Pier is forged.

Fabrication of five replacement lattice trusses that will support the decking of the Victorian landmark’s first bay is under way at the Gallas Foundry in Douglas.

They will replace the corroded wrought iron girders that are to be removed by volunteers of the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust.

It is hoped that the new steelwork can be installed before winter weather stops work.

In total, the Gallas Foundry is currently handling 19 tonnes of carbon steelwork for the pier.

The 12m long lattice-section trusses will run longitudinally along the pier at its landward end, having been bolted together on site.

There will be five of these in the first bay.

Some 15 cross bars are also being manufactured.

All the steelwork will be galvanised in Liverpool before delivery at the pier.

They will then be painted before installation by the trust’s volunteers.

Unlike the original wrought iron, the new metal will be welded rather than riveted.

But other than that it will look identical.

Gallas Foundry owner Paul Gaylor said: ’It’s an interesting job and not something we’ve done before.

’It’s more complex than other work we’ve done. It’s been kicking around for a few years and it’s nice to see it all coming together now.’

With the pier having 55 bays in total, the Gallas Foundry could have a healthy order book for a number of years to come.

The trust signed a five-year lease in July last year to restore the first three bays of the Victorian landmark.

Estimated cost to complete the work in the first bay is £60,000, including £35,000 for the steelwork. Costs to restore bays 2 and 3 are estimated at £40,000.

The ambitious project to restore Queen’s Pier has been a real community effort, with island businesses and individuals being keen to help out, many providing their services for free or at a discount.

Project manager Stuart McKenzie said: ’All is in place ready for the arrival of the steel after galvanising.

’The co-operation and support from Manx Independent Carriers and Steam Packet in shipping the 19 tonnes of steel off and back onto the Iisland free of charge for galvanising should be acknowledged.

’The space at the pier compound is restricted but we have planned exactly where each component will be placed so that they can be degreased, sanded down to give a key and then painted with four coats of special marine epoxy paint.

’It is only then that we can schedule the swap out and in of the steelwork over a weekend if all goes well.

’Isle of Man Heavy Cranes have kindly agreed to sponsor the lifting using their largest crane and their expertise in handling unusual heavy lifts will be most useful.

’As the old iron girders are removed they will be cut up by a team of volunteers and taken away by courtesy of Wilf’s Skips.

’All in all this demonstrates the depth of this community project. We just hope that the weather window stays open to let us carry out the swap this year.’