Try seeing the pier this way

Architects unveil gleaming new designs in latest bid to restore former seafront beauty to its glory days

The Argus Tuesday, 24 September, 2002

A model shows the revised plans for the West Pier

THIS eye-catching creation of wood and chrome is the latest offering from architects drawing up the future of Brighton's West Pier.

The Brighton West Pier Trust and developers St Modwen Properties PLC have scaled down their proposals for the controversial shore-end development following public outrage at earlier plans.

They hope the new modern structure will strike a balance between the need to preserve the city's most famous vista and the hard reality of the cash required to stop the Grade I listed pier's gradual collapse into the sea.

The fundamental change has been to lower the roofs of the two pavilions flanking the pier and broaden the gap between them. Designers hope the alteration will appease conservationists concerned the "enabling development" would blot out the view of the pier and horizon.

The number of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities has also been cut in an effort to preserve the pier's image as the sedate elder sister to the brasher Palace Pier along the coast.

The deck area has been extended and the building furthest to the east redesigned as a gleaming ellipse, which will be the focal point for visitors.

The revised proposals have already won the support of independent panels, although campaigners for Save Our Seafront have proved more difficult to convince.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) has described them as "a significant improvement" and "a more imaginative scheme" than the earlier plans.

The trust and St Modwen are now champing at the bit to make the dream a reality. But Sue Paskins, of the Save Our Seafront campaign, believes the group's concerns about the height of the new buildings have not been fully addressed.

She said: "The whole ethos of that area is walking along the seafront and watching the sun set over the West Pier.

"Everybody has a right to that view and it should not be taken away."

A spokesman for Cabe said: "The architecture and form of the new pavilions is distinctive and, in our view, better suited to this prominent seaside location."

Nick Doyle, director of St Modwen Properties, said: "The revised proposals demonstrate that we have responded positively to the issues raised by Cabe and the city council, as well as the views of local residents.

"There will be less development along Kings Road upper esplanade and less development overall.

"It is a collaboration of a lot of comments. We have not just tweaked it. There is a significant revision to the design.

"We are very excited by it."

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said: "The consultations have been intensive and extensive.

"They have taken a full year and the outcome has been productive.

"The trust hopes fervently that the statutory authorities will expedite their consents so that we can proceed as quickly as possible.

"The queen of piers has been living on hope for too long.

"The revised proposals deserve to replace hope by action."

"The revised planning application provides the civic authorities with a clear opportunity to take the first positive step to implement the Brave New City.

"The greatest act of conservation in the city is the restoration of the West Pier.

"The new design should not be seen as a price to pay for that restoration but rather as a continuation and enhancement of the council's regeneration of the seafront.

"The opportunity is to both restore heritage and stimulate civic vitality."

Lord Bassam of Brighton said: "These do appear to be significant improvements to the whole appearance and I think they will go some way to meet some of the concerns of the objectors.

"People right across the city want to see the West Pier saved for future generations.

"We urgently need the work to begin so it can return to its former glory and help to lighten and brighten our wonderful seafront."

John Small, of The Regency Society, was more cautious.

He said: "If the proposals have been revised to meet Cabe's criticisms this will be good news but Cabe's comment that it 'is a significant improvement' raises the question, is it significant enough?

"I am happy to echo Dr Lockwoods wish to replace hope by action but only if the quality of the development is sufficient to enhance the restored pier."

A model of the revised plans will go on show at the West Pier Trust office on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Appointments for viewing can be made by calling 01273 321499.