Architects chosen for rebuild of Hastings Pier

A firm of architects has been chosen for the potential rebuild of Hastings Pier, which was destroyed by fire more than three months ago.

Hastings Borough Council and The Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust said dRMM Architects would explore options for the site's future.

The redevelopment of the pier is dependent on the trust securing an £8.5m lottery bid.

Councillor Peter Chowney said he "very much hoped" the pier would be rebuilt

Mr Chowney, the lead member for regeneration at the Labour-controlled council, sat on a panel that chose dRMM from among 60 applicants.

'Iconic structure'

He said: "We were particularly impressed with schemes they'd done elsewhere and their ability to work and consult with local communities."

Mr Chowney said he was optimistic the lottery fund would recognise the importance of the pier to the town.

He said: "It's our most important regeneration project. It's an iconic structure, well known by a lot of people and very famous in the past."

The blaze, in the early hours of 5 October, took four days to put out and destroyed 95% of the upper part of the East Sussex pier.