West Pier heritage centre funding bid turned down

The West Pier Trust’s hopes for a restored 1866 kiosk have been dealt a blow after its application for lottery funding was turned down again.

The Trust wants to transform the salvaged, dismantled kiosk into a heritage centre where tourists, in particular visitors to the new Brighton i360, will be able to learn more about the pier.

It twice applied for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund – but steep competition saw the bid turned down both times.

But undeterred, it is now looking for alternative funding.

Chief executive of the trust Rachel Clark said: “This was already our second attempt with the HLF so it’s not likely that we’ll go back to that source.

“We’re exploring other sources of funding whilst getting an up to date view on the current condition of the kiosk.

“It’s disappointing to be rejected but we’re determined to see the project through.”

The i360 scheme includes the restoration of the eastern toll booth (the Rock Shop) and replication of the western one and both buildings are set be up and running with the attraction in 2016.