Selected from 54 entries, White arkitekter is the only non-British practice to reach the shortlist of six in the RIBA organised design competition for The Hastings Pier & White Rock Trust (HPWRT). The Trust is looking to identify an architect to work with in their redevelopment plans to reinvent Hastings Pier, as well as assisting in their fundraising campaign and in stakeholder and public consultation. Shortlisted practices also include Adams & Sutherland, de Rijke Marsh Morgan, FAT, Niall McLaughlin and Wilkinson Eyre.

With over 50 years experience in architecture and masterplanning, White arkitekter is Scandinavia’s leading architectural firm and, with around 500 employees in Sweden and Denmark, one of Europe’s largest. The practice first started working in the UK in 2008 when it won a significant commission to regenerate England’s coastline, with a competition winning proposal to transform the Grade II listed Southend-on-Sea Pier devastated by fire in 2005.

£3 million funding has now been secured for the first phase of their winning proposal ‘Sculpted by Wind and Wave’ to transform the landmark from a pleasure pier into an urban pier creating a ‘street’ with restaurants, cafés and other social spaces. The initial phase of Southend-on-Sea Pier, featuring a new cultural centre is scheduled to complete next year.

Both projects represent major steps to regenerate Britain’s coastline by improving the attractions in seaside resorts.

For press enquiries and visuals of Southend-on-Sea Pier contact:
Claire Curtice Publicists
020 7613 1442