Curtains for pier theatre

Campaigners have stepped up calls for the Noble Organisation to fulfil its promise to restore or replace the historic structure.

It is almost 30 years since the theatre closed after being damaged by a barge crashing into the pier and some people were hoping for some action.

However, Noble director David Biesterfield said there was no obligation on the firm to restore or replace the listed theatre within a certain period.

He also admitted most of the 1,200-seat building had been discarded or given away since it was taken apart in March 1986.

Mr Biesterfield said: "The only obligation was to do the theatre if we built a very substantial end development, which we haven't been able to do.

"Even had a structure been built, it was never going to be a theatre, it was going to be a multi-purpose hall."

He accused Brighton and Hove City Council of obstructing proposals since the mid-Nineties while favouring plans to restore the West Pier.

Selma Montford, secretary of the Brighton Society, said: "The theatre should never have been demolished in the first place.

"It should definitely be restored as it looked before. The dome they have there now is tawdry by comparison."

Council leader Ken Bodfish rejected Noble's accusations of council bias.

He said: "We consider all applications on their merits in accordance with the local plan and guidelines laid down by English Heritage."

The theatre was once a top touring venue and attracted performers including Max Miller, Dick Emery and Ronnie Corbett.

Two of its domes are on top of the former Harvest Forestry building in New England Street, Brighton. Owner Ben Messer bought them when the theatre was dismantled.

Other artefacts should have been stored but are now missing.

When it took down the theatre, Noble said it would build a new entertainment complex at the front of the pier. Brighton Council approved on condition a theatre was included.

Mr Biesterfield insisted that did not tie them to providing a theatre.