Volunteers behind the community-led restoration of Queen’s Pier are hopeful that replacement steelwork will be delivered soon.

Meanwhile, work on revamping the entrance gatehouse is underway after the trust secured planning consent for the works.

Five replacement lattice trusses that will support the decking of the Victorian landmark’s first bay are being fabricated 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.

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.

Some 15 cross bars are also being manufactured.

Pier restoration project manager Stuart McKenzie said: ’Gallas are targeting completion this week and hope to ship it to the UK galvanisers as soon as they are finished.

’I have been in touch with the galvanisers across and pressed for an early slot so that we have a chance to paint the trusses with their four coats of two part epoxy marine paint before the bad weather sets in.’

Mr McKenzie said the chances of installing the replacement steel this year were ’slim but still possible’.

The trust received planning consent earlier this month for structural works to the underside of the pier, and various restoration works to the entrance gatehouse (18/00684/GB and 18/00685/CON).

Planning officer Stephen Butler said the proposed structural support beams to either side of the pier extension will not be prominent features and will only noticeable when walking along the beach below.

The reminder of the works focus on the existing gatehouse, including reinstatement of windows, entrance clock and flagpoles, and on the portable cabin to the front hardstanding area.

’Overall these works are considered to be a betterment of the building/site and raise no concerns,’ concluded Mr Butler.

’Furthermore the works of the nature here proposed are vital for any chance of the pier coming back into public use and are to be welcomed.’

There were no objections to the plans.

Owners of Glebe Cottage, Maughold, supported the scheme but suggested rebuilding the twin kiosks that were there in Victorian time as the current pebbledashed gatehouse has ’always looked so dull and uninviting’.

’A different colour, plus clock and flags may be the only practicable solution - but is it?’ they asked.

Mr McKenzie said: ’We’ve received planning permission for some of the preparatory works. We are currently painting the building and matching portacabin with the people’s choice of green using special rubber based oil paint as protection against salt spray and heavy rain.’