<P> The West Pier is a pier in Brighton, England . It was designed by Eugenius Birch, opening in 1866 and closing in 1975 . The pier was the first to be Grade I listed in Britain but has become increasingly derelict since closure . </P> <P> The pier was constructed during a boom in pleasure pier building in the 1860s, and was designed to attract tourism in Brighton . It was the town's second pier, joining the Royal Suspension Chain Pier of 1823 . It was extended in 1893, and a concert hall was added in 1916 . The pier reached its peak attendance during this time, with 2 million visitors between 1918 and 1919 . Its popularity began to decline after World War II, and concerts were replaced by a funfair and tearoom . A local company took ownership in 1965, but could not meet the increased maintenance cost, and ultimately filed for bankruptcy . They could not find a suitable buyer, so the pier closed in 1975 and subsequently fell into disrepair . </P> <P> The West Pier Trust now owns the pier and has proposed various plans to renovate it . Some schemes have been opposed by local residents and the owners of the nearby Palace Pier, who have claimed unfair competition . The pier gradually collapsed during the early 21st century . Major sections collapsed in late 2002, and two fires in March and May 2003 left little of the original structure . Subsequently, English Heritage declared it to be beyond repair . Structured demolition took place in 2010 to make way for the observation tower i360; further structural damage from storms has occurred since . </P> <P> The West Pier was constructed during a boom in pleasure pier building in the 1860s, during which 22 new piers were erected across Britain . It was designed by architect Eugenius Birch as a place for seaside visitors to enjoy fresh sea air . Some wealthy residents in the nearby Regency Square objected to construction, complaining that the planned toll houses at the entrance would spoil the view of the sea from their homes . It was felt that the pier would have a positive effect on property values in the town, so the pier was approved . Construction began in 1863 and the pier opened to the public on 6 October 1866 . </P>

What happened to the west pier in brighton