West Pier MUST rise again

Experts speak out

Adam Trimingham - The Argus Friday, 19 December, 2003

BRIGHTON'S West Pier should be restored despite two fires which gutted the structure, says English Heritage.

It was asked to review a £44 million National Lottery-backed plan to restore the derelict remains following two suspected arson attacks in March and May.

Brighton and Hove City council feared the 137-year-old Grade I listed pier might have been damaged beyond repair but agreed a controversial glass seafront development. The English Heritage report concludes that although more rebuilding would now be necessary, the fires had not affected the structure's "key significances".

It adds: "The West Pier was the most important pleasure pier ever built in terms of its climactic and seminal engineering design, its architectural ambition and as an enduring social symbol of Brighton as the acme of seaside resorts.

"We recommend as much surviving salvaged fabric as is practicable should be incorporated into the repair and restoration of the substructure and deck furniture."

The West Pier is one of only two Grade I-listed piers in Britain - the other is at Clevedon - and was built in 1866. It has not been open to the public since 1975.

A spokeswoman for the West Pier Trust, which organised the restoration project, said the city council still supported the plans, and the Heritage Lottery Fund would now re-examine the proposals in January.

"This should reassure the public that the West Pier still has a bright future," she added.

Brighton West Pier Trust chief executive Geoff Lockwood said: "My gratification at the conclusion of the English Heritage report is offset by the knowledge those determined opponents will not be deterred by the report."

The city council asked a team of experts for the report to assess whether or not the restoration was still a worthwhile project.

It has taken months to produce because its findings could set a benchmark for other historic buildings which have been damaged.

Brighton West Pier Trust and the developers St Modwen were given planning permission in principle for the multi-million pound restoration by city councillors in February.

English Heritage said usually in other buildings an undogmatic view was taken of whether repair should be entirely authentic.

Analysis of the records of the pier buildings established it has been sufficiently photographed and drawn. Its nature as a pre-fabricated building meant much of the structure could be reproduced from information given by parts which are in store.

There has been a series of legal challenges to aspects of the restoration mounted by the Noble Organisation, which owns the Palace Pier.