New-look pier a bit closer

The Argus Thursday, 14 November, 2002

MORE than £1 million will be spent preparing Britain's only Grade I listed pier for restoration.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has signed an agreement with the Brighton West Pier Trust and private developer St Modwen.

Trust chief executive Geoff Lockwood said: "Despite the continuing efforts of the owners of the Palace Pier and other minorities to frustrate the plans for the restoration of the West Pier, the three partners have demonstrated their confidence in its future."

The £1.2 million contract will bring the restoration plans ready to go out to tender, by autumn next year, with all necessary technical, planning and statutory specifications and consents in place.

Palace Pier owners have launched a legal challenge to lottery cash being used for restoration.