HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
A pier with
more than one life.
From Victorian pleasure pier to a celebrated work of contemporary architecture, Hastings Pier has a remarkable story of reinvention.
1872
A Victorian beginning
Designed by Eugenius Birch, Hastings Pier opened on 5 August 1872. It brought a new place for performance, entertainment and sea views to the growing resort.
1960s–70s
Music above the waves
The pier became a celebrated live-music venue. Hastings Museum records appearances by artists including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Who and The Rolling Stones.
2010
Fire and a turning point
A major fire in October 2010 devastated the pier. Local determination and a community-led restoration effort helped secure a new future for the landmark.
2016
A new kind of pier
The pier reopened in April 2016. Its broad timber platform and flexible open spaces gave the familiar seaside structure a distinctly contemporary character.
2017
Architecture recognised
The reconstruction by dRMM won the RIBA Stirling Prize. The design kept the pier’s generous public deck at the heart of the experience.
ROOM FOR POSSIBILITY
The space is
the architecture.
dRMM describes the rebuilt pier as a flexible platform for community and commercial uses. Reclaimed timber, open space and a raised viewing deck are central to the project’s identity.
Read the architect’s project story ↗
Explore the story further.
This guide draws on the Hastings Museum & Art Gallery pier history, the National Piers Society archive and dRMM’s project account. Historical milestones do not indicate current access; check our visitor page before travelling.
Check today’s visitor information →