A pier is set to rise from the flames after it was officially returned to local ownership yesterday.

The formal completion of the compulsory purchase order of Hastings Pier has signalled the start of a £14 million renovation project to begin.

Work on reviving the Victorian pier, which suffered extensive damage during a fire in 2010, will start within weeks and it is hoped will be completed within two years.

Planned works will include renovating the pier’s Grade II listed substructure, refurbishing the pier’s only remaining pavilion and the construction of a new visitor centre.

The ownership of the pier will transfer from Panama-based company Ravenclaw into the hands of Hastings Pier Charity.

Later this summer, a community share scheme will be launched allowing residents to become part of the project.

At a press conference today, Eric Pickles will join local figures to give more details on the future of the pier.

Simon Opie, CEO of the Hastings Pier Charity, said: “We want to offer a 21st century take on the traditional English pier and for it to be used often by locals and visitors alike, a Peoples’ Pier.” For more details see tomorrow’s Argus.