ONE of the UK’s most popular seaside towns is undergoing a £750,000 revamp to its historic promenade.
Brighton has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers but its famous Victorian promenade has been partially closed to the public since 2012 following safety concerns.
Now, the promenade is expected to reopen this winter after an extensive restoration project.
Known as the Madeira Terrace, the historic promenade structure stretches 865metres-long with 151 large arches and was built between 1890 and 1897.
Parts of the cast iron railing decorations depict Poseidon – the Greek god of the sea – and Aphrodite – the goddess of love – as well.
The structure is also Grade II listed and thought to be the longest continuous cast-iron structure in the UK.
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The first phase of the project includes restoring 28 of the arches between the Royal Crescent steps and Concorde 2, as well as installing a new lift.
The new lift will create step-free access to and from Madeira Drive.
Work on the lift has already begun with the next stage involving 20,000 bricks being placed around a frame that has been built.
Parts of the cast iron structure of Madeira Terrace have already been returned to the promenade after being sent to a specialist foundry for repairs.
The structure was originally built to create a sheltered promenade for Victorian tourists and was designed by Philip Lockwood – the same man behind the Bandstand, also known as the Birdcage, on Brighton seafront.
As wealthy visitors arrived by train, the terrace would allow them to promenade along the beach no matter the weather.
Over the decades it has become a key part of Brighton’s image as well as appearing in a number of productions such as films Wimbledon (2004) and TV series Dr Who.
Councillor Julie Cattell said: “We’re moving forward with very visible and eye-catching elements of the restoration, and I know residents and visitors are enjoying seeing the structure take shape.
“There has been huge interest in the work being done to create the lift and residents will continue to see real progress being made over the coming months.
“It is great that so many people are really captivated and engaged in this project – and have such goodwill towards the work being done.
“We know Madeira Terrace is a vital part of our city’s architectural heritage and is something people really care about.
“That is partly why we are taking a firm, heritage-led approach.
“Restoring the existing structure does take more time than simply replacing it – particularly with the testing required – but it is the correct approach.
“We’re determined to get this restoration right – and see Madeira Terrace once again become a thriving and important part of our iconic seafront.”
The renovations to the terrace are also part of a wider multi-million-pound project that will develop the area around the Brighton Centre – a conference and exhibition space where previously The Who, Queen and Bob Marley have performed.
Dubbed the Waterfront Project, work will expand Churchill Square shopping centre as well as establish a new conference centre and entertainment venue.
In 2024, plans were also submitted to widen the beach in Brighton’s neighbour – Hove.
The plans were later approved for the coastal defense works, which includes widening and adding new pebbles and groynes to the beach.
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