New York-based architect Rogers Partners’ designs for a new pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, have been approved by the city council.

Landscape architect Ken Smith and local firm ASD are also part of the The Pier Park design team. The project combines a large transparent building located at the end of the pier with a collection of smaller experiences in “zones of activities” positioned along its entire 1,380ft (420.6m) length.

St. Petersburg City Council approved $5.2m (€4.7m, £3.34m) for the project which will be spent on finalised design, demolition of the current pier and approach and initial contracting services. The schematic design phase is scheduled to take five months and will include feedback from residents, after which refinements will be made and the final design announced.

In a statement, Rogers Partners Architects + Urban Designers said: “We believe that great design engages all disciplines and that the spaces we make are as important as the buildings and forms. We embrace the impact of small things, understand that much of what we do you don't see, and make big things happen by careful attention.”

The building at the end of the pier will feature observation platforms, a restaurant, an education centre and a stage that can accommodate up to 4,000 people.

Rogers Partners’ The Pier Park design was selected ahead of proposals from St. Pete Design Group and Alfonso Architects in May.

The Florida city’s pier was first constructed in the 1880s but has been rebuilt many times over the years.