Has Brighton s West Pier been restored yet And if so when will it be open to visitors

Asks Yasmin

A. Unfortunately it has not yet been restored, but there are plans afoot to restore it to its 1920s glory days - however, the plans are currently being contested by local residents and heritage groups.

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Q. Why are the restoration plans causing controversy

A. Nobody is in any doubt that the pier needs restored and to that end over �15 million in lottery funding has been set aside to fund the project - but as full restoration is estimated to amount to around �30 million, private money is also needed to start (and complete) the project.

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The controversy surrounds the plans that have been submitted to Brighton & Hove council for planning permission by KSS Architects for St Mowden Properties - that will convert the pier into a huge leisure and retail complex. Although many residents and local interest groups believe that Brighton has a plethora of restaurants and shops (and that no more are needed), it is the actual structure of the site that has caused most concern.

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The current plans include five pavilions to be sited on the esplanade opposite the current pier - and will take up over 400ft of land and seascape (the pavilions will block views of the pier and the sea from the promenade as they will each be 22ft high - although there will be gaps at the entrance to the pier and between the upper floors).

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Q. So if the plans are so controversial locally, why are they even being considered

A. There's the crux. This is the only project that has been forthcoming that meets the restoration criteria. The pier will be restored to its former glory and KSS will provide the matching private sector money the National Heritage Lottery Fund requires before it can release the �15 million it set aside in 1998 for the Brighton West Pier Trust to restore the site. In addition to this, the development will also provide funding for the next 150 years so that repairs etc can be undertaken on the pier.

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Time is running out because the pier is literally crumbling into the sea - and if it isn't saved soon will be lost forever - and nobody else has come up with the funding to do it. In short, the retail and leisure complex will pay for the restoration of the pier and without it the developers will not go ahead with any restoration at all. Full descriptions of the plans drawn up by KSS Architects and a 360 degree interactive pier camera view are available online from the West Pier Trust at www.westpier-trust.demon.co.uk/.

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Local interest groups (primarily Save our Seafront - SOS) and residents want the pier to be restored but not at any cost.

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Q. When is Brighton council reviewing the proposed plans

A. The plans have been presented to Brighton & Hove Council (and the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage) and will be reviewed this month (March 2002).

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Q. If the plans do get accepted by the council, when will the new pier open

A. It is scheduled for summer 2005.

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Q. Who built the West Pier

A. It was built and designed by the Victorian engineer, Eugenius Birch, between 1863-66. He built 14 piers throughout Britain between 1853 and 1884, and Brighton's West Pier is considered to be his masterpiece.

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The West Pier reached its popularity peak in the 1920s when it attracted over two million visitors a year and was home to a concert hall and theatre among other attractions.

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Q. How long has it needed restoration

A. The pier officially closed in 1975 and since then has been battered by the elements, particularly the great storm of 1987, which left a gaping hole in its structure.

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It is the only Grade I listed pier in the country, and as a result it is in the interest of national heritage that it be restored.

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You can find out more about the history of the West Pier online at www.brighton.co.uk/westpier/ and www.brighton.co.uk/westpier/story.htm.

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By Karen Anderson