pier brighton england designed opening closing pier grade listed britain increasingly derelict closure pier constructed boom pleasure pier building 1860s designed attract tourism brighton town second pier joining extended concert hall added pier reached peak attendance time million visitors popularity began decline world war concerts replaced local company took ownership meet increased maintenance cost ultimately filed bankruptcy find suitable buyer pier closed subsequently fell disrepair owns pier proposed plans schemes opposed local residents owners nearby palace pier claimed unfair competition pier gradually collapsed early 21st century major sections collapsed late fires march left little original structure subsequently english_heritage declared repair structured demolition took place way observation tower structural damage storms occurred history 19th century constructed boom pleasure pier building 1860s new piers erected britain designed architect birch place seaside visitors enjoy fresh sea air wealthy residents nearby regency square objected construction complaining planned toll houses entrance view sea homes felt pier positive effect property values town pier approved construction began pier opened public october pier length feet width feet built cast iron columns superstructure manufactured featuring oriental style opening pier fitted gas lamps ornamental designs directly influenced similar examples inside nearby pier ornamental houses toll houses glass screens protect visitors weather report covering britain piers called pier birch masterpiece extended supervision birch nephew added pavilion capacity people demolished following storm brighton construction palace pier 20th century april seven sailors drowned bad weather approached pier early 20th century earlier priority good sea air pier replaced desire public entertainment pier reached record levels attendance early 20th century attracting million visitors attendance fell onset world war resumed million people visiting competition palace pier led new concert hall designed local architects 19th century demolished replaced sided grand concert hall constructed cast iron arches opened april concert king silver band war veterans concert hall house orchestra november ticket sales concerts accounted pier revenue favoured locals palace pier day deck entrance added hall pier central removed world war prevent enemy landings popularity began decline november royal_air_force typhoon fighter hit pier crashing beach pilot sustained head injuries typhoon aircraft escorting flight concert hall converted tea room theatre redesigned restaurant early 1950s added time 1960s pier suffering financial difficulties bought company owned hotels entertainment venues ambitions pier unable cope increasing maintenance costs portions wood iron pier fell beach closed safety concerns pier grade listed council served compulsory repair notices company unable afford opted voluntary remainder pier closed declined buy passing control restoration attempts restore pier supporters complained council interested developing pier britain awarded grade listed status formed save pier bought council fee council demanded required immediate repairs opened public proposal restore pier metre wheel failed went bankrupt pier suffered structural damage great storm access shore removed safety reasons continued offer regular tours pier 1990s pledged million restore pier unable find suitable partner help restoration owners palace pier financially self sufficient means claimed unfair competition english_heritage identified pier risk grade listed structure united_kingdom decline damage december pier partially collapsed storm walkway connecting concert hall pavilion fell sea following month concert hall middle pier fell leaving entire structure close total collapse march pavilion caught fire fire crews unable save building destruction collapsed walkway prevented reaching cause fire remains unknown fire investigators unable access site safety reasons severe fire burned consuming left concert hall june high winds caused middle pier collapse completely following month english_heritage declared pier repair despite setbacks remained adamant soon begin restoration work retired boxer criticised delays restoring pier saying raise money months december trust confirmed restoration going ahead plans rejected pier partially demolished february partly way planned observation tower february stormy weather pier split half large centre fell sea waves swept away eastern damaged metal skeleton remained fire selection artefacts rescued pier exhibited section pier collapsed media appearances pier seen films including lovely war carry girls filmed pier locations nearby brighton prominently featured french comedy starring novel death son speculates reason fires band james filmed video like fred
West Pier