West Pier Will Rise Again

Adam Trimingham - The Argus Saturday, 31 January, 2004

THE WEST Pier WILL be rebuilt.

The Argus can today exclusively reveal the dream of rebuilding the pier has been re-born, two days after it looked sunk forever.

English Heritage has stepped in with a plan to restore the structure exactly as when it was built in 1866.

Chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said:

"We cannot turn our backs on this internationally-famous Grade I listed building. It is more than just a tourist attraction. It is an enduring symbol of Brighton and an intrinsic part of the nation's mental image of the seafront there.

"We all know it, whether as the spectacular backdrop to broadcasts from innumerable party conferences or as the settihg for a first seaside holiday or even a first kiss.

"Purely in design and engineering terms, we believe it is the most important pleasure pier ever built. "

"While there is still hope, we want to explore every viable option."

Officers from the Government's conservation body arrived in Brighton yesterday, less than 48 hours after the Heritage Lottery Fund pulled the plug on funding for developers St Modwen's proposed £19.6 million rebuild.

The plan is for a simple restoration, with none of the controversial shoreline development, to recreate the original splendour of the pier as a national monument.

This would cost an estimated £25 million and would be run by English Heritage.

Talks will take place early next month between Brighton and Hove City Council, English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Brighton West Pier Trust.

The St Modwen plans, costing about £40 million, involved a full restoration of the pier to its Twenties heyday when it was visited by two million people a year.

The new restoration would have no commercial development apart from the toll kiosks.

A charge would probably have to be made for visitors which could bring in at least £2 million a year.

Renovation would have to be partly met by the Heritage Lottery Fund and government cash is likely for a building regarded as a national treasure.

The 1866 replica pier would not have the two main buildings destroyed by fire last year, the central concert hall built in 1916 and the pierhead theatre, built in 1894.

It would not attract opposition from conservationists and would be unlikely to incur the wrath of the Noble Organisation, owners of the rival Palace Pier.

Council leader Ken Bodfish, who on Thursday said it would take "a miracle" to ressurect the pier, said today: "The pier is back from the dead.

"This is a nationally important building which could make a large contribution to the local economy.

"We said it would take a miracle, and here's the miracle."

West Pier Trust chief executive Dr Geoff Lockwood said: "The trust and St Modwen have not given up hope of a full restoration of the West Pier and will be pursuing this vigorously with all parties."

But he would ask the trust board if it wanted to look at options including the 1866 restoration.

English Heritage chairman Sir Neil Cossons pledged support for the pier to Coun Bodfish.

It has set a target of September for fresh proposals and a new funding package for the pier and is setting up an email address for people to send in their views: westpiercampaign@english-heritage.org.uk