Replacing a column underneath the pier.

Born-again pier set to open in spring 2015

Preparations for demolishing the damaged buildings on Hastings pier and restoring it to its former glory are well under way, and the born-again pier should be ready to open its doors to the public by spring 2015. Deepraj Shrestha reports.

Starting in the New Year and working from the shore outwards, the deck will be made safe by replacing corroded steelwork and damaged decking. When this major job is completed by around September, it will be possible to bring in personnel and machinery to tackle the demolition of the ravaged ballroom at the end of the pier. Rebuilding is expected to begin by the end of 2014, construction project manager David Spooner told HOT.

Planning consent for the new pier was finalised last week, just over three years after fire caused extensive damage to the ballroom and other parts of the pier.

David Spooner, construction project manager.

One column in the support structure that had broken within the last five years was replaced last week and another three are due to be replaced. But the support structure in general is in good condition, which considering that the Victorian pier is 140 years old, is testimony to the quality of the original workmanship, Mr Spooner said.

In light of the pier’s history, fire-resistant materials will be used for the rebuilding. The pavilion at the land end, the only part of the old pier that will be retained, will be rebuilt as a restaurant and bar. In the central area a new visitor centre will be built including a display area where the families and friends can come together for celebrations. Local contractors are being used for the restoration project and once the pier reopens, more than 50 new jobs are set to be created.

The ballroom - now a mass of twisted metal and rubble.

Members of the public will be able to follow progress of the reconstruction project at an information centre which HPC plans to open in January in the nearby sea-front building over the old swimming pool.

Ownership of the pier recently passed to Hastings Pier Charity after the council exercised a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to remove it from the absentee owner, Panamanian holding company Ravenclaw. Most of the total investment for the restoration project – £11.4 million out of £14m – is being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

But community shares have also been on sale since October. “The response so far has been quite staggering, we’ve raised over £180,000,” said Simon Opie, HPC’s CEO. The minimum target of £200,000 should be easily reached, but the period for subscribing has been extended by three months to early April, allowing more time for trusts and high-profile individuals to subscribe.

Built in 1872, access to the pier was withdrawn in July 2006 when it was discovered that part of the structure was unsafe for visitors. The pier had suffered major storm damage in 1990 and was also closed from 1999 to 2002. The Grade II listed structure was out of use for more than three years before the fire of October 2010, thesource of which has never been explained.

All photos by Deepraj Shrestha.

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