Would a restored West Pier fit in?

For many, this is the crowning moment of the seafront revamp, now in its final phase, which has taken place during the past few years.

But critics are worried we may be destroying the aspects of the seaside which made Brighton famous.

While the restoration of the West Pier has been welcomed, the idea of a new complex with shops, bars and restaurants has posed new concerns.

Does the announcement herald a seafront far removed from the traditional image past generations grew up with?

And will the new up-and-coming Brighton be able to accommodate carousels and penny arcades?

Brighton seafront has undergone a transformation in the past few years to the point where some areas are barely recognisable.

Cosmopolitan As the new city of Brighton and Hove becomes increasingly cosmopolitan, so the regeneration of the seafront reflects this.

Clubbers travel the lengths of the country to experience our cutting-edge music scene, there has been a giant explosion in new media and the property market has gone through the roof. The city has re-invented itself.

Yet many are worried this may have been taken too far and Brighton seafront is in danger of losing its unique identity.

Seafront trader Pete Avey, who runs Seasiders cafe and gift shop to the west of the Palace Pier, said: "I have lived in Brighton all my life. It is in my heart.

"I am thrilled at the plans to finally restore the West Pier. We have waited for this for a long time. But I do feel we are losing Brighton as we know it to outsiders. It now has a boozy club atmosphere instead of being a lovely day trip location for families."

He is keen to make sure traditional sights of the seaside stay put.

He was instrumental in securing premises for the old Mechanical Memories penny arcade to the west of the Palace Pier.

Mr Avey said: "I must admit the seafront that has been regenerated looks lovely. But this part of the seafront has been neglected for years. The public toilet has been broken for months.

"I just hope the improvement of the area by the West Pier will not mean we are forgotten about."

Regeneration The Seafront Regeneration scheme has been carried out in six phases during a six-year period.

Now in its final phase, the new paddling pool to the west of the West Pier has opened and a children's play area is nearing completion.

Other developments during the past few years have included volleyball and basketball courts and a performance space.

The announcement of the West Pier development has confirmed the opportunities for development towards the west of the seafront.

Yet some traders hoped the regeneration would not stop short of the area to the east directly below the Palace Pier.

Trader George Wells, 59, proprietor of the Beach Cafe to the east side of the Palace Pier, said: "I think the regeneration looks brilliant, particularly the work done on the Aquarium terraces. I know we have to move with the times but I just feel we have been forgotten about.

"My family has run this cafe for 37 years but I feel like we could do with more support. Brighton seafront must not lose its sense of tradition."

However, those involved with the West Pier development and the seafront regeneration are keen to allay such fears. They feel there is enough room for both old and new in Brighton.

Rachel Clark, the West Pier Trust's general manager, said: "The West Pier and the area around it has looked sad, derelict and down at the heel for too long. So we are thrilled it will finally be restored. Its development is crucial to the city as a whole."

Promenade The building will stretch along the lower promenade to a point near the pier and from the west side of it to Al Fresco restaurant.

It will be built of wood, glass and stainless steel and will house bars, restaurants and shops.

Ms Clark said: "Brighton has always had an individual character and we want to reflect this diversity. It will not have large chain stores but will house smaller, independent businesses.

"It will be completely different to the Palace Pier as there will be no amusement arcades. The West Pier will be a lot more sedate. The two piers will complement each other and run side by side."

Developers St Mowden, private sector partners of the Brighton West Pier Trust, have also assured that the development will work alongside traditional aspects of the seafront.

Director Nick Doyle, who is responsible for the pier project, likened the piers to the two engines of an aeroplane.

He said: "The Palace Pier has been running perfectly but the West Pier has been non-operational. With both piers running properly the city will be even stronger.

"The West Pier development will complement the traditional aspects of the seafront. The pier itself will be restored to its Twenties heyday but we thought the building itself had to be modern."

David Fleming, Brighton and Hove Council's assistant director for leisure and regeneration projects, said the new development and future seafront regeneration plans, would take into account the history of the area.

He said the way in which work had been carried out testified to a commitment to retaining the traditional sights of Brighton seafront.

Developments included the "fishing quarter" incorporating a fishing museum and stalls selling fresh fish.

He allayed fears that bars and clubs were taking over the seafront and said they were being carefully controlled and restricted to one main area.

Mr Fleming said: "We are keen to make sure traders who have been there for years gain just as much support as new businesses. We want to create a vibrant seafront."