In 2005, fire once again broke out on Southend Pier, causing extensive damage to the section of pier around the southern train station known as the Old Pier Head.

The fire destroyed the southern train station, emporium, pub and toilets together with a significant area of the pier deck and structure.

Saville Jones was appointed in 2007 to lead a design team in restoring the pier. Initially we were required to research the pier history and piece together from old drawings and photographs the design of the buildings destroyed by the fire in order to establish values for insurance purposes.

The Council decided not to replace all of the buildings, and Saville Jones was commissioned to design a new, temporary station. The new station comprises seven canopies, which include photovoltaic cells to supplement the power used on the pier and a station office.

This work, together with the reinstatement of the pier structure was completed in summer 2009.

Southend Pier is a Grade 2 Listed Building and is also the longest pier in the world and located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).