Following the 2005 fire that destroyed the Old Pier Head in Southend, Saville Jones were appointed in 2007 to lead a design team in the restoration of the pier structure. The team also designed a new train station for the end of the pier.

The new canopies were inspired by 'the pattern of waves rolling in to the foreshore'.

On a more practical note, the structures can be economically reproduced and easily dismantled if necessary. The zinc roof incorporates photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity for the pier's use. The new canopies are lit at night from underneath.

Timber for the structure and deck was sourced from managed forests in accordance with the Governments Procurement Policy, 'CPET'.

The new pier decking was pre-assembled in 'pallets' in the Netherlands by people with learning difficulties. This process speeded up the work on site and also enabled the noise generated by the construction processes to be minimised in keeping with the requirements of Natural England.