[Brighton] West Pier remains - iconic feature or rusting eyesore?

Brovion · May 3, 2022

On the 'Grace' thread there is a sub-topic developing which probably merits its own thread. The remains of the West Pier. Should they be preserved as an iconic seafront feature, almost unique to Brighton in the same way as the Royal Pavilion is? Or should they be removed as they're a twisted, decaying eyesore that makes Brighton look like a decaying post-industrial town circa 1985, and also stand as a monument to our inability to protect our heritage.

I'm now, regretfully, in the latter camp, but I know others disagree.

Thunder Bolt · May 3, 2022

If it was going to be removed, it should have been done straightaway. The remains have formed a reef for underwater life, like mussels and barnacles.

withdeanwombat · May 3, 2022

Should never have come to this, of course, but it is now an eyesore. Rebuild or remove.

Hotchilidog · May 3, 2022

I think the time of replacing it has now passed and I think it should be celebrated as an iconic feature. To my eyes it has a majestic beauty that is now a key part of the city's visual identity. As long as it safe to do so, I'd like the relic to remain.

it was such a shame when the plans to restore it to something resembling it's original purpose fell through, but fall through they did. If it was torn down and not replaced we'd miss it.

beorhthelm · May 3, 2022

can be and they are both.
serve as a reminder how slavish devotion to perfect conservation can lead to decay and destruction. though as i belive they're trying same routine on Madeira Terrace, its not a lesson learnt.

The Clamp · May 3, 2022

It provides a unique silhouette as the sun sets over Sussex. I have no strong feelings about it but it should be left in situ now. Over time it will collapse out of sight.

There were a few of us having drinks in a friends’ flat overlooking that part of the beach the night it went up. We all stood on her balcony watching. It was one of the most memorable nights of our lives. It was quite spectacular, us all stood in silence as the sky turned orange and flaming chunks of it fell into the sea. Quite breathtaking really.

Stato · May 3, 2022

If you've seen this happen live, you wouldn't even ask the question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6pZlw0fzjQ

nickbrighton · May 3, 2022

has to be a rusty eyesore.
The Arches and terraces on the seafront are going the same way, while the council does diddly squat as they slowly decompose taking another iconic part of Brighton with it

There are certain things that make Brighton unique, and instantly recognisable, and give Brighton its identity

The two piers, the seafront railings, the arches and terraces along Marine Parade.

The second pier has gone, the terraces and arches quickly going to the extent that soon they will need demolishing because they will be dangerous and too expensive to repair.

Once gone they will never be replaced and we become more and more an identikit town, indistinguishable from Worthing, Eastbourne and numerous others, all of which are cheaper, cleaner and have councils who actually do appear to give a damn about their towns, rather than pump money into vanity projects and fleece lo0cals and visitors alike with exorbitant and unnecessarily restrictive parking and traffic policies which contribute to the death of the place

wuntbedruv · May 3, 2022

Brovion;10251169 should they be removed as they're a twisted said:
But that is exactly what Brighton is with the Hollingbury retail park being built on the bones of great industrial heritage. With KTM gone along with 1200 jobs , Asda built on the ITT Creed Teleprinter factory with around the same, Gross Cash Registers now a police Station.
https://www.mybrightonandhove.org.u...dustrial-estate/hollingbury-industrial-estate

In Lewes Road the Allen West Switchgear factories long gone.

The Railway Engine sheds at the station that found a new life building BMW Issetta Bubble Cars.

Brighton had a proud record of innovation and industry, destroyed by thatcher and her " why bother to make stuff if we can import it and make a profit " philosophy and the asset strippers and carpet bagger fellow- travellers.

beorhthelm · May 3, 2022

nickbrighton said:
Once gone they will never be replaced and we become more and more an identikit town, indistinguishable from Worthing, Eastbourne and numerous others, all of which are cheaper, cleaner and have councils who actually do appear to give a damn about their towns, rather than pump money into vanity projects and fleece lo0cals and visitors alike with exorbitant and unnecessarily restrictive parking and traffic policies which contribute to the death of the place

to be fair to consecutive councils, they are hamstrung by groups that insist conservation trumps functional usage. its more important to use original authentic materials and processes than to fix things and make them stable and usable into the future. the same groups inhibit innovation and growth too, industry can only exist with zero impact to surroundings.

Brian Fantana · May 3, 2022

withdeanwombat said:
Should never have come to this, of course, but it is now an eyesore. Rebuild or remove.

This is exactly where I am too.

Swansman · May 3, 2022

From a Swedish perspective its a little bit exotic... very little chance such a thing as the West Pier would have ever been built here, 0 chance it would have been allowed to decay and 0 chance that the remains would just allowed to be left like that. But I like it. Decay is beautiful.

Grassman · May 3, 2022

Swansman said:
Decay is beautiful.

Try telling that to my dentist. He charges more than it would cost to re-build the West Pier.

Mellor 3 Ward 4 · May 3, 2022

Keep as it is.

Stato · May 3, 2022

Swansman said:
Decay is beautiful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjnAE5go9dI

The Antikythera Mechanism · May 3, 2022

I was lucky enough to acquire this artefact

Cowfold Seagull · May 3, 2022

Brovion said:
On the 'Grace' thread there is a sub-topic developing which probably merits its own thread. The remains of the West Pier. Should they be preserved as an iconic seafront feature, almost unique to Brighton in the same way as the Royal Pavilion is? Or should they be removed as they're a twisted, decaying eyesore that makes Brighton look like a decaying post-industrial town circa 1985, and also stand as a monument to our inability to protect our heritage.

I'm now, regretfully, in the latter camp, but I know others disagree.

Glad to see you accepted my invitation in the Grace thread!

Cowfold Seagull · May 3, 2022

nickbrighton said:
has to be a rusty eyesore.
The Arches and terraces on the seafront are going the same way, while the council does diddly squat as they slowly decompose taking another iconic part of Brighton with it

There are certain things that make Brighton unique, and instantly recognisable, and give Brighton its identity

The two piers, the seafront railings, the arches and terraces along Marine Parade.

The second pier has gone, the terraces and arches quickly going to the extent that soon they will need demolishing because they will be dangerous and too expensive to repair.

Once gone they will never be replaced and we become more and more an identikit town, indistinguishable from Worthing, Eastbourne and numerous others, all of which are cheaper, cleaner and have councils who actually do appear to give a damn about their towns, rather than pump money into vanity projects and fleece lo0cals and visitors alike with exorbitant and unnecessarily restrictive parking and traffic policies which contribute to the death of the place

I absolutely agree.

Brok · May 3, 2022

Used to fish off the jetty as a boy. Every time a big wave hit, the whole pier shook. It was BRILLIANT!

And, as it is, it's beautiful.

Nobby Cybergoat · May 3, 2022

I think it looks absolutely beautiful.

If i'm walking along the seafront and fancy sitting down for a bit I always sit there.

It has a mesmeric quality.

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