The Heritage Lottery Fund has dashed hopes for the £40m restoration of Brighton’s West Pier.
English Heritage has refused to put up £19m towards the cost of the scheme. It now looks like the end of the line for the once glorious pier.
The restoration drive has been endlessly delayed by the cost, legal challenges and local opposition to the proposed shops, bars and restaurants at the shore end.
The Pier Trust said the Heritage Lottery fund had been seen as the pier’s lifeline.
It will seek a further round of talks with Brighton & Hove Council and English Heritage. The council said it would take a “miracle” to restore the pier.
References: The Guardian 29/01/04 page 8, The Times (Broadsheet) 29/01/04 page 22, The Independent (Broadsheet) 29/01/04 page 5
