Mike Holland looks to the future for Brighton’s West Pier

Frank le Duc speaks to property developer Mike Holland about his desire to sweep away the decay of the West Pier and build a modern attraction

The rusting hulk of the West Pier stands as a silent but highly visible reproach. The skeletal old lady was failed by Brighton Borough Council and the heritage and lottery organisations that could and should have handled matters more swiftly. And an arsonist – or arsonists – dealt what looked like the fatal blow. But still she stands – a testament to the enduring design and engineering skills of Eugenius Birch.

Property developer Mike Holland is not the first wealthy man to put up plans to save or restore the West Pier. The boxer Chris Eubank threw his hat into the ring some years back and even talked of having his home on the structure. These days only the starlings and seagulls spend much time there. Even well-funded property companies have tested the waters and found their plans wanting.

Mike Holland has more chance than most. Even though the path is strewn with obstacles, he is clear about where he wants to be – and that’s walking on the water on a modern West Pier. He doesn’t intend trying to replicate what went before. He said: “We would keep the old entrance and build a modern pier.”

He’s taking his lead from the rebuilt Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare. It was also badly damaged by a fire. But two years later, in 2010, the pier had reopened. Mr Holland is working with the firm behind the new pavilion for the Somerset pier, Angus Meek Architects, from Bristol.

“You won’t get the Eye without the pier. There’s more chance of Nelson getting his eye back”

But another firm of architects has long had designs on the West Pier site. Marks Barfield, which came up with the London Eye and saw it through despite all manner of problems, wants to put up the Brighton Eye. The proposed observation tower, also known as the i360, had originally been intended to open at the shore end this summer. David Marks, one of the founders of Marks Barfield, recently spoke locally about his determination to see this project through too. If successful, it would fund a rebuilt pier.

Mr Holland is dismissive. He said: “I don’t personally think the i360 will ever be built. You won’t get the Eye without the pier. There’s more chance of Nelson getting his eye back. There’s a slim chance it might get done if the pier comes first.”

His pragmatic approach has precedents. He has been involved with three troubled historic buildings in the area – Stanmer House, the Engineerium and the old Astoria. The first has been successfully revived from its derelict state. The Engineerium in Hove is being restored with some modifications and is due to open in July. The Astoria had deteriorated too much to be saved and modern offices have been approved for the central Brighton site.

If Mr Holland is to have his way, he will need to win round the West Pier Trust. The trust bought the pier for £1 from the old council. It came close to securing the funds for a proper restoration until the two fires nearly ten years ago. It has worked with Marks Barfield on the i360 plans. It has operated on a minimal budget and punched well above its weight.

Almost 40 years after the West Pier closed, the trust’s key players remain enthusiastic and optimistic despite so many setbacks and frustrations. Some say they need nothing short of a miracle. Mr Holland’s ideas may clash with the trust’s current plans. But I wouldn’t bet against the trust working with the man who revives historic buildings and finding a way together to walk on the water.

Photo copyright: Diana Frangi