One of the historically most popular piers in the UK, the West Pier in Brighton was built in the early 1860ies, officially opened in 1866. More than 100 years later the West Pier was closed in 1975. Since then, all attempts to restore the pier failed and finally it gradually collapsed during heavy storms and two severe fires that destroyed most of the structure. While being declared beyond repair, the very slowly disappearing remains of the West Pier still define the iconic seafront of Brighton.