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Video: Breathing
new life into the world's oldest cast iron pier. Video: Alan
McGuinness

Gravesend's historic town pier reopens to the public
this weekend as the Riva bar and restaurant launches under new
management.

The oldest cast iron pier in the world has been closed
since the landmark riverside venue's previous owners went bust
earlier this year.

Now a new company has taken over the lease from
Gravesham council.

Culinary Solutions bosses are even flying the previous
head chef over from Italy in time for the restaurant's launch
night.

The pier was restored when the council bought it in 2000,
with the project winning a silver medal from the Queen's Golden
Jubilee Green Apple awards.

Council leader Cllr Mike Snelling said: "It is great news
that the public will once again have access to this historic pier
which is so important to our regeneration in the heritage quarter
and the High Street.

"We are sure that in the new owners we have found a tenant
committed to high standards of excellence."