Pictures: A259 in Brighton closed due to Royal Albion risk

The Royal Albion Hotel on Brighton seafront was gutted by an inferno in July 2023 which led to the partial demolition of the building. 

Brighton and Hove City Council announced yesterday that part of the A259 near the site would be closed in both directions as the hotel and attached scaffolding is “at risk of catastrophic failure”. 

Britannia Hotels, who owns the building, has been instructed to carry out risk assessments and make the structure safe.

The closure is expected to remain in place into next week (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) Work is expected to start this weekend and carry over into next week, the council has said. 

Britannia has never responded to any of The Argus’s requests for answers about the future of the Grade II listed building.

READ MORE: Updates as hotel at risk of collapse, sparking road closure

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, said: “While this will cause major disruption in the city centre, public safety is our biggest priority so it’s vital we do everything we can to minimise any risk.

The structure and associated scaffolding are at risk of collapse (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) “The responsibility for making the structure safe, informing affected residents and businesses, and the cost is with Britannia, but the council will be overseeing the work to ensure safety of the public.

“We’ve stressed to Britannia the urgency of this work and getting the road re-opened quickly.

“I’d like to apologise for the inconvenience this will cause to residents and visitors, and thank everyone for their patience while this structure is made safe.” 

Britannia has been approached for information.