West Pier, Brighton

The West Pier in Brighton is a once-grand structure that now stands as a haunting reminder of the past. Designed by Eugenius Birch, the pier opened in 1866 during a period of booming pleasure pier construction, aiming to draw tourists to the seaside town. It was Brighton's second pier, following the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, and quickly became a popular attraction.

In 1893, the West Pier was extended, and a concert hall was added in 1916, marking the peak of its popularity. During this golden era, the pier attracted millions of visitors, particularly in the years following World War I. However, post-World War II, the pier's appeal began to fade. Concerts gave way to a funfair and tearooms, but the decline continued. In 1965, a local company acquired the pier, but the high maintenance costs led to bankruptcy, and the pier closed to the public in 1975.

Following its closure, the pier fell into severe disrepair. In late 2002, storms caused major structural collapses, and in 2003, two arson attacks destroyed most of what remained. English Heritage declared the pier beyond repair, and in 2010, parts of it were demolished to accommodate the i360 observation tower. Despite further storm damage, the skeletal remains of the pier still stand, owned by the West Pier Trust, which has proposed various renovation plans, though these have faced opposition.

The West Pier has also been featured in several films, including Oh! What a Lovely War (1968) and Carry On Girls (1973). In 2010, artist Josef O'Connor used 3D mapping lasers to illuminate the pier, creating the illusion that it was reconnecting with the shore—a poignant artistic tribute to the pier's former glory.

Today, the West Pier remains a symbol of Brighton's rich history and the changing fortunes of seaside resorts.