In pictures: First phase of Hastings Pier restoration
- Published
Restoration workers have been able to access the end of the 140-year-old Hastings Pier for the first time since fire almost destroyed the structure in October 2010.
The pier was opened in 1872. In the 20th Century it hosted dances, concerts by The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, and all-night raves.
It was closed in 2006 because of safety fears. Four years later, fire damaged up to 95% of the Grade II listed structure.
Two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested but the Crown Prosecution Service said there was not enough evidence to bring charges.
It is being rebuilt with £14m raised mainly through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
A column supporting the East Sussex pier was replaced this week, marking the end of the first phase of the restoration scheme.
Project manager David Spooner said: "We have been doing all sorts of preliminary works... getting ourselves ready for a major start on 6 January."
The old ballroom will then be demolished before the decking is replaced, the pavilion is refurbished and a new visitors' centre is built.
It is hoped the restoration will be completed by spring 2015.
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