Trust is pushing on with plans for pier
THE determined team behind ambitious multi-million pounds plans to restore the fire ravaged pier is still hopeful of recruiting a top designer.
The future of Hastings Pier looked bleak after last month’s blaze, but members of the Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust are adamant they can still save the structure.
And, buoyed by the successful re-opening of Weston-super-Mare Pier - which was hit by a similar fire two years ago - the trust has begun recruiting a potential design team.
The trust - and the town - faces an anxious wait to find out the true extent of the damage and also whether or not subsequent funding bids are successful.
But, until they are told otherwise, it is very much a case of ‘the show must go on’ for the campaigners.
Earlier this week the trust re-advertised for architects to design the completely revamped Hastings Pier - and a spokesman said there had already been interest from all over Europe.
And, to make sure any eventual design is one that the whole town approves of, the trust has invited Observer editor Keith Ridley to sit on the interview panel.
The deadline for expressions of interest is November 11 and, once the field has been whittled down, each expert will be quizzed on their vision for the attraction.
Trustee Tina Reid explained the decision to involved the paper. She said: “The Observer has been very good at supporting us and we thought it would be good to include its editor so he can not only make sure everything is transparent and fair, but also help represent the general public.”
And, one lucky pier trust supporter will also be invited to sit on the panel.
Anyone wanting to get involved needs to enter a prize draw by sending a postcard to the trust’s seafront headquarters (34 White Rock) complete with their name and telephone number.
The draw will take place on November 14 - with the interviews being held on November 18 and December 9.
Mr Ridley said: “It is good of the trust to involve us and hopefully we can help pick a design the whole town will be proud of.”
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Weather for Hastings
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
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Wind direction: West
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