SUPPORT has been pouring in for the decision to put the Palace back into Brighton’s pier.

The Argus exclusively revealed yesterday the pier is being renamed Brighton Palace Pier following a campaign by this newspaper and huge public backing.

Councillors, MPs, businesses and well known city names have all welcomed the move.

Many also praised new owner Luke Johnson for listening to what people wanted and his plans for the future of the pier.

Writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe said: “Palace retains the sense of history and Brighton the sense of place

“It is good to have the Pier in the hands of a company wants to make even more of a success of the city’s most popular attraction and to get engaged in the city’s overall prosperity.”

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: "I have no doubt the Palace Pier will last for another 120 years and more – and I look forward to seeing the new owners honour its heritage by giving this world-renowned attraction the investment it needs.

"Brighton residents overwhelmingly wanted this name change and I was pleased to join them in making representations to the new owner as soon as they took over.”

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby said: “I have always referred to the Pier as the Palace Pier and am absolutely delighted that the new owners have listened to local residents.”

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Warren Morgan said he was also delighted.

He said: “It’s a huge part of our seafront which helps attract over nine million tourists a year, but it is also ‘ours’, part of our local heritage, part of our childhood memories.

“We are bringing in over a billion pounds of investment into our seafront, and alongside the new I’m keen that as a city we invest in the best of our heritage, whether that’s the Shelter Hall, the Madeira Terraces or the Brighton Palace Pier.”

Alan Robins, Brighton and Hove City Council lead councillor for tourism, said: “It think it is a brilliant idea.

“I understood the reasons why the name was changed to the Brighton Pier, especially with pictures and postcards going around the world but as a Brightonian it jarred a bit and never felt right.

“This is a fantastic compromise and we get the best of both worlds.”

Executive director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, Gavin Stewart, said: “Returning the much loved Palace name to the pier while retaining the Brighton brand is a welcome and canny move.

“Locals can rejoice in the success of a campaign well won whilst the iconic name of our great city will still be seen across the globe.”

Brighton Pride director Paul Kemp said: “The Palace Pier has been synonymous with Brighton for as long as I remember and a majority of Brightonians have always referred to it as the Palace Pier so this gesture will be well received.

“I believe the new owners intend to improve the quality of the offering and appeal more to locals as well as visitors to the city and there would be a real opportunity to capitalise on the kudos of renaming it and rejuvenating a little bit of glamour.”

Brighton Palace Pier managing director Anne Martin said said she was very happy with the response so far.

She said: “We have had some very positive comments and we are very pleased that people like it.

“We listened to what people were saying and we are glad we have been able to judge public opinion correctly.”

HELP TO DESIGN PIECE OF HISTORY

The Argus: Pudsey the bear with Pierre bearPudsey the bear with Pierre bear

THIS is your opportunity to design a piece of Brighton history.

With the change of the pier name, a new sign is needed.

Anne Martin, general manager of the Brighton Palace Pier, said: “There are so many creative people out there who will have fantastic ideas. We know there is this great affection for the pier so we thought this was the perfect opportunity.”

Designs are wanted for the sign which will sit in pride of place on top of the pier. The design must incorporate the words “Brighton Palace Pier”. As well as having their design made, the winner will get £1,000.

A panel of judges is being assembled which will be chaired by crime writer Peter James.

Owner Luke Johnson and The Argus editor Mike Gilson are among the others who have been announced.

There is also a competition for youngsters with Mr Johnson keen to add a third mascot.

He is looking for those under 14 to send in their designs for a colourful character to join Pierre the bear and Derby the dolphin in welcoming visitors to the pier.

The prize for the winner is a year’s pass for all rides on the pier.

Mrs Martin said: “We are very excited to launch the competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for all to be a part of Brighton history.”

Entries for both must be sent to Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, BN2 1TW or by email to competition@brightonpier.co.uk by the end of August.