A design competition to transform the 1.33-mile, fire-damaged Southend Pier in Southend-on-Sea has been launched by the borough council.

In collaboration with the Landscape Institute and the Royal Institute of British Architects, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has created a design brief with the intentions of re-establishing the pier as a "must-see destination for all visitors". The council wants to transform the Grade II-listed pier, built in 1830, into a cultural destination with perhaps a gallery, events or performance space as well as introduce catering facilities for 'higher-spending markets'.

To fund the project, which is estimated to cost £5m, the council is submitting an application for £4m to the CABE Sea Change scheme - a three-year £45m government programme introduced to invest in the arts, public spaces and cultural assets to aid the regeneration of seaside towns. The council is also seeking an additional £1m from the Homes and Community Agency. The deadline for expressions of interest is 15 June and, on condition of the grant funding, the renovation is expected to be completed by March 2011.