Plans for a £30m restoration of Brighton's Grade 1 listed West Pier has been launched by St Modwen Properties in conjunction with owners of the site, the Brighton West Pier Trust.

Originally opened in 1866, the pier has been closed to the public since 1975 and is now in a severe state of repair. The proposed refurbishment will restore the existing pier buildings to their 1920's glory to house cultural, entertainment, leisure and retail sites, including bars, restaurants and performance areas.

The developers say the long term viability of the project is dependent on the creation of two modern pavilions housing leisure facilities on the esplanade. Designed by KSS Architects, the pavilions will generate funding for the pier's maintenance and repair over the next 150 years.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has already committed £14m to the redevelopment, which will be matched by £15m from St Modwen. The company submits planning permission next week to Brighton and Hove City Council and will hold a public exhibition of its proposals in April.

The project faces opposition from local residents who object to the height of the proposed pavilions, which they say will destroy views of the sea and the West Pier itself.