For SkyWatch Friday
The burnt remains of Brighton's West Pier was a familiar sight last week. I had to walk past it most days and it was easily viewed from my hotel and the conference centre. There was much speculation amongst my colleagues as to why it hadn't been dismantled and we thought it might be because it is a listed building. My colleagues were complaining because they think it is an eyesore. I actually like it, it think it is quite photogenic, but I do also like the glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre and also the controversial Selfridge's entrance in Birmingham. So who I am I to trust on these matters?
When I got back home I did a bit of research and found that Brighton's West Pier Trust have plans to redevelop the site of the west pier. In 2004 both the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage decided against restoring the pier, so no funds were forthcoming. Not deterred by this news the West Pier Trust continued to devise a way to develop the site. The first part of the plan is to construct the i360 (The Brighton Eye). This has been designed by the architects of the London Eye. The structure will be 183 meters in height with it's observation pod rising to 139 meters. It is hoped that the tower will be a huge tourist attraction and raise enough funds to restore parts of the pier such as the Victorian toll booths and seating. The funds will also fund the tidying up of the beach and wreckage of the pier whilst maintaining the wildlife habitat of the area.
18 comments:
Very nice series.
Love the blue colour on the last shot. :)
Sky Watch is a BIG thing by now!
Thank`s to Dot and Tom! :)
You`re no. 200! ;)))
Amazing!
nice one for SWF! reminds me the quote... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky. .. LOL! mine's up too hope you can drop by.
I like the middle photos with the debris/poles in the gravel!
Very interesting.
Love the clouds and the fence sillouette in the first photo. I agree, it is picturesque!
I think these reminders of the past are very important because they connect us with the story of where we are. There is a surreal quality to this one!
The past is so easily forgotten and sometimes we are discouraged that things seem old and out of date but then I would much rather see what was than not see what was at all.
That's a realy nice set of photos Cherie. I love the idea of the Brighton Eye
Great sky watch, great pictures.
I agree with you that the place is photogenic! You have made a very nice series of photos.
Lovely pictures Cherie. I would agree with your colleagues, they need to pull it down. Good to see they are going to maintain the wildlife habitat.
I'd forgotten about the fire. I was thinking of visiting my friend in Brighton soon and will miss the pier, we always used to visit it.
It is rather a nostalgic sight. I like the Louvre Pyramid too!
A very interesting Sky Watch post.. I will try to get back so I can follow the link.
Thanks everyone, I am glad you found it as interesting as me. I am glad I took time to investigate what was happening with the pier.
I hope they do get to rebuild the pier in all its glory.
Liz - I am looking forward to see what they do with the site. I guess by the time I go to the conference next year the i360 should be part built!
Thanks for your pics and long story. Somehow I liked the last pic with empty posts the most.
Thank You chrome3d :-)
Post a Comment