When a National Lottery grant of £14 million was announced for the derelict West Pier in Brighton, many people thought restoration would be a certainty.
But it is now clear the future viability of the Grade I listed structure depends on two large new pavilions to be built on the shore either side of it.
Detailed plans for these buildings will be launched later this month by the Brighton West Pier Trust and by developers St Modwen.
The design of them is crucial. They will be large buildings next to what is potentially the most beautiful pier in Britain.
If the design is not up to the highest standard, the architects will have to go back to the drawing board.
Only the best will do.
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