The Hastings Pier Charity is now the official owner of the pier which was ravaged by fire in 2010.

Funding has been secured for the renovation and the contract will be advertised this month.

Initial works will include renovating the pier’s Grade II listed substructure, refurbishing the only Pavilion still standing on the pier and the construction of a new Visitor Centre.

Simon Opie, CEO of the Hastings Pier Charity, said: “We want a new pier as well as to restore the old, using sustainable materials wherever we can.

“We’ll provide open space not just for promenading but for family and community celebrations; a real attraction for tourists and a valuable asset for locals and the town.

“We want to offer a 21st century take on the traditional English pier and for it to be used often by locals and visitors alike, a Peoples’ Pier.”

For more information quote reference Pier Contract/Construction Enquirer at email [email protected]