We used to live in Brighton and very enjoyable it was too. Currently there's a lot of talk about the "restoration" of the town's West Pier. Whilst I think there would be something to be said in favour of the town having two piers, I feel that it's time for a reality check.
The fact of the matter is that there's not much left to restore. To my certain knowledge the structure's been derelict for years and, after two fires earlier this year, all that remains is some twisted rusty wreckage. It's my belief that it would be better to demolish these remains rather than build what realistically would be a reconstruction of the original Victorian pier.
Alternatively, if another pier is really seen as desirable, why not build a contemporary 21st century interpretation of the idea?