The future of Hastings Pier could be decided this month. The Heritage Lottery Fund will meet in mid November to consider a bid for funding from the Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust.

The trust is asking for more than £11 million so it can rebuild the pier and its pavilion with modern facilities after 95% of the structure was destroyed in a blaze in 2010. It is believed the cost of demolishing the pier alone will cost £4 million.

Simon Opie, the chief executive of the trust, said: “The next month really is vital for the future of this much-loved building.

“Quite simply, without lottery support, there is little prospect of the pier being restored. Whilst obviously badly damaged in the fire of October 2010, the basic structure, designed by the great Victorian pier-builder Eugenius Birch, survives, as does part of the original bandstand pavilion, which will become a feature of our new vision for the pier.”

Lottery officials will be visiting the pier on Friday to assess its current condition.

The group uses money raised through the National Lottery to redevelop and sustain buildings and areas of the UK.

The trust was recently awarded a £5000 grant by the Pilgrim Trust to help fund its day-to-day administration costs.

Peter Chowney, the lead member for regeneration at Hastings Borough Council, said: “We have seen some very welcome investment in Hastings over recent years, and there is a real positive feel about our future.

“Our seafront is a key part of that – it’s our shop window, it’s what investors see in our town, it’s what leaves them with a lasting impression.

“The rebuilding of Hastings Pier is an essential part of that.

“It will allow investment in other seafront structures and that’s absolutely crucial for the regeneration of the town.”