Initial works on a new cafe bar for Deal Pier in Kent could begin as soon as October after a preferred design was chosen by a council panel.
The winning design "focuses on user comfort and enjoyment"
The winning entry from Niall McLaughlin Architects features a new construction of timber frames and glass walls.
It was one of four competing designs which were submitted as part of a multi-million pound revamp to coincide with the pier's Golden Jubilee in 2007.
Dover District Council said a planning application could be submitted in June.
The council and the architects will work alongside each other to develop the design proposals.
The current Deal Pier is the third one built on the site
The contest saw all four designs on display for a week with almost 1,000 comments received from the public.
Councillor Julie Rook said the winner was "one of the clear favourites identified by the public".
"This is an exciting project and this will be an instantly recognisable landmark for Deal," Mrs Rook added.
The council said the pier had already undergone a £2m renovation but that the present restaurant was "in need of urgent upgrading".
The Deal Pier Invited Design Competition was organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects.