West Pier | Photo | Jake Howlett Gallery

West Pier June 28, 2004

A rather sad-looking skeleton is all that remains of Brighton's West Pier. Even in the few years since I lived here it has changed dramatically. In 2002 part of the mid-section collapsed. Then, in 2003, the concert hall burnt down. Makes me wonder how far it has to degrade until they give up restoration plans for this Grade 1 listed building.

Comments (3):

Mike Golding spoke on Monday 28^th of June 2004 at 01:09 PM, saying:

Jake I visited Brighton yesterday and in the 7 days since your visit the Pier has collapsed further. The section closest to the land is now a heap of iron in the sea.
Incidentally, the Lottery have already given the money for the Pier's restoration, it is sitting there waiting to be used under the usual Lottery hand out prerequisite that the building must be financially self sufficient when restored. The local residents are opposed to the plans for more bars and cafes and thus restoration is hold indefinitely which seems ridiculous.

Jake spoke on Monday 28^th of June 2004 at 01:24 PM, saying:

Glad it wasn't while I was stood underneath with the camera ;o)
Surely now it's better to rebuild a completely new one. They wanted £17m for the restoration. How much can it cost to build a new one!? It seems stupid to have a romantic fascination with the old. Old is not always good. Times change and piers are no longer the attraction they once were. Unless you're a photographer that is...

Rebecca spoke on Friday 18^th of May 2007 at 05:38 PM, saying:

Yeahh.. It Has Fallen Down More. Now Its Just Like A Skeleton! Its Quite Mysterious To See.. Even Though It Is Just A Wreck And Its Really Old. Im Really Liking this Picture - You Can Sort Of See It Falling Down.. Even Though Its Just Slanted =]

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