West Pier, Brighton

As I returned to Brighton after the Easter break, I was very dismayed at the present situation. So much so that I felt the need to write an opinion to inform others of the current state of the only pier in the country to be given Grade 1 listed status.

Firstly we will start with the history of the West Pier. Originally constructed in 1866 by the famous designer Eugenius Birch. (so famous he has a bus named after him in the city!!!) Constructed with many cast iron column fixed into the sea bed and strengthened by a latice structure of steel girders, the building stood proudly off the Hove seafront. With its two main structures added shortly after, the bandstand in the centre of the pier (1875) and the very majestic concert hall at the end of the pier (1916), combined both Victorian and Edwardian architecture creating a superb location for entertainment for many years to come.

Surviving both world wars, the pier was converted into a fun-fair type building after the 2nd world war, with various rides being added, and the two buildings converted into tea rooms and the like.

Sadly, this was the height of the piers fortunes. In the recent time, we have seen the sad demise of this once proud structure. After a lack of maintainance, the West pier closed its doors in 1975, and sadly that is the last time that people have been able to enjoy this piece of British history. This lack of repair should have been the catalyst for a concerted effort of regeneration, but sadly this has not been the case.

After catching fire in the early 80's the pier stood in a terrible gutted state for many years whilst both the local council and local residents took turns to block and hinder the effort of reconstruction. It seems as if being a listed building counts for absolutely nothing these days.

One positive point to add here is that 2 perigrim falcons had made their nest in the old concert hall, giving local residents a treat as they flew around the area.

Then as if things couldn't get any worse for the old lady, after a period of high tides and high winds, the old bandstand in the centre of the pier finally gave way and partially collapsed into the sea in 2002. Once again despite this the council and local residents still couldn't agree on how to progress. Slowly time was running out for the pier, as there was becoming less and less to repair. The final straw came just a month ago (March 2003), when fire ripped through the remaining concert hall. Arson was suspected but whatever the cause, the pier now is completely destroyed, with just the gutted shell of the building remaining and the structural integrity of the iron structure in a dodgy state to say the least. Now even the falcons have had to leave. What more could possibly happen to this once great structure?

Now as we sit with what is almost an eyesore off the seafront, there are several plans afoot for restoration. If only this had been done several years ago, then maybe, just maybe Brighton could still have two wonderful piers for people to enjoy. Surely now people will have to push these plans through, as there will shortly not be any pier left to restore. Although knowing some of the residents committies, and the local council I would not bet on this happening any time soon, and I think that this is a terrible shame.

Finally I would like to thank you all for reading this opinion. I hope it has given you some insights.