The first phase of the Madeira Terrace project, which will see 28 of the 151 ornate arches in Brighton restored and the creation of a new, fully accessible lift, will begin in late November.
Phase one includes the replacement of the original deck with a new, waterproofed and reinforced deck that will retain much of the original detailing, a new coloured protection system for the cast iron so that it performs better in coastal conditions and the retention of several of the best Japanese spindle plants which have graced the wall from before the terrace itself.
Other parts of the green wall will also be repaired and “reinvigorated” to ensure it comes back greener, more biodiverse and with greater coverage than before.
A new staircase will be built down from the deck near Concorde 2/Madeira Shelter Hall, and planted verges will be reinstated at Madeira Drive level the reinstatement of the planted verges at Madeira Drive level.
The project recently received a £750,000 cash injection from Historic England.
Grade II listed Madeira Terrace is currently on Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register, which raises awareness of the challenges facing some of our country’s most significant places and focuses efforts to safeguard them for the future.
The grant followed the council’s decision to plough a further £3 million into the project.
Brighton and Hove city councillor Julie Cattell, lead councillor for major projects, said: “The recent grant award of £750,000 from Historic England to supplement the funds already allocated by the council means that the first phase of this long-awaited project can at last commence.
“The restoration of the longest cast-iron structure in the UK will be a highly complex and challenging task. It requires dismantling the cast-iron components of the 28 arches and transporting them to a contractor in the Midlands, which specialises in the refurbishment of historic ironworks.
“This is one of a series of major projects that we are investing in, to make Brighton and Hove seafront the most exciting in the country. It’s a thrilling prospect that in summer 2026 Madeira Terrace’s many dedicated local supporters, our residents and visitors to the city will once more be able to enjoy this iconic piece of our heritage.”
Civil engineering contractor JT Mackley and Co was appointed to undertake phase one of the restoration earlier this month, following a public tender process.
Once on site, they will start to clear rubbish, then go through items to be stored or saved and greenery that needs to be removed to allow the A259 retaining wall to be repaired.
To allow the works to proceed safely, parking bays between the Royal Crescent Steps and Concorde 2/Madeira Shelter Hall will be temporarily removed, although the bays to the east and west of this area will remain available.
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