West Pier, Grade I listed pier in Brighton and Hove, England
West Pier is a Grade I listed pier in Brighton and Hove on England's south coast, now standing as a ruin in the water. Iron supports and braces rise above the surface and trace the original outline.
Eugenius Birch designed the entertainment venue in 1866, attracting visitors for over a century. Public access ended in 1975 due to high maintenance costs, and parts later burned down.
The name refers to its position on the western side of the beach, where it once formed part of the Victorian entertainment quarter. Locals and visitors now regard the remains as a landmark that changes shape with the tide and weather.
The remains are visible from the beach and offer a clear view in any weather, especially during morning and evening hours. The West Pier Centre in an arch east of the Brighton i360 provides background information and opens Friday through Monday from 11:00 to 16:30.
An artificial reef has formed underwater, providing shelter for fish and mollusks. Cormorants and other water birds regularly use the upper steel beams as nesting sites.
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