LEADING figures have shown their support for the new Brighton Palace Pier name and sign.

A new design showing the long awaited name change from Brighton Pier to the Brighton Palace Pier was exclusively revealed on Saturday by The Argus.

The Argus has long campaigned to bring the word 'Palace' back into use and refused to use the new name. Then last year new pier owner Luke Johnson announced he was changing the pier’s name.

And Andrew Mosely, Grand hotel general manager, is among those happy with the change.

He said: “I’m in favour of the incoming changes. It’s rather nice that they’re linking it in with the history. I think it’s a sensible decision.”

In 2000 The Noble Organisation sparked outrage when workers pulled down the Palace Pier sign and replaced it with Brighton Pier.

City councillor Alan Robins was also happy that the name change reflects the pier’s history.

He said: “I’m really pleased about it, I think it’s brilliant. I love the way it incorporates both the Brighton and Palace names.”

Mr Robins said it was good to have both Palace and Brighton in the name as visitors would not know what Palace Pier alone meant.

He said: “It’s a good compromise and what we needed.”

The layout creates an archway of the ‘Brighton’ part of the title, to reflect The Pier dome, with the remaining words ‘Palace Pier’ on the front façade of the building.

The font is adapted from an 1820’s carnival font called “Madame”, and has been tweaked to match the Pavilion roof.

All inclusive history website founder Kevin Newman said: “I think it’s trying to become everybody’s pier. It’s going to be for Brighton residents and not just for visitors.”

Mr Newman also praised the pier’s general manager Anne Martin.

He said: “Anne Martin and her team are really proud of the history and the name change suggests that.”

The new sign was designed by Lucy Williams, 47, of Five Ways Brighton, who was chosen as the winner from hundreds of entries. She also created the Open Market sign.

Luke Johnson’s Eclectic Bar Group bought the pier last year with a reported £18 million bid.

The Argus has been calling for the word Palace to be brought back ever since its removal and last week confirmed it will become the Brighton Palace Pier again soon, though the date is yet to be confirmed officially.