Plans submitted for first phase of Madeira Terrace in Brighton

40 arches will be restored between the Royal Crescent Steps and Shelter Hall, where Concorde 2 is.

This will include a brand new lift at the steps, while the lift at Shelter Hall will be restored.

The restoration will see the return of the mid deck terrace for viewing events on Madeira Drive and will be a “linear park”.

The new lift to the left and the Shelter Hall lift in the distance. Pictures from Brighton and Hove City Council

Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning application for this phase of restoring the 132 year old structure will be considered at its planning committee on November 2.

Clare Rainey, deputy chairwoman for the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “The Madeira Terrace restoration is the biggest project the council has embarked on for a long time.

“We know how important Madeira Terrace is to both residents and visitors alike. We are determined to bring it back to life and to ensure that what we do is sustainable and protects the terrace for generations to come.

“Please take a look at the video and the plans on our planning register, and give us your comments.”

What the mid deck walkway will look like. The seats will be LED lit

Madeira Terrace has been fenced off since 2012.

The seats on the mid deck walkway will be LED-lit.

Work should begin in Autumn 2023, while future phases of the restoration “will be delivered as funding becomes available”.

The council is currently clearing the site for contractors to begin work next year.

The area that will be restored in phase one

This phase will also see planting for biodiversity and safeguarding of the green wall on the back of the terrace.

It will also repair, restore and protect as much of the existing iron structure, as well as restore decorative elements of the arches.

Bill Puddicombe, chairman of the advisory panel, added: “Madeira Terrace is such an important part of our seafront and city heritage. So many of us have been waiting so long to see progress made.

“Work on site is what we want to see and with the planning application now being considered, we’re moving another step closer to that ‘boots on site’ moment we’re all longing for.”

Picture from Simon Dack

The council previously apologised for cutting down the green wall of Japanese Spindle that was planted by the Victorians.

The application was also due to be submitted last summer but the procurement process took “slightly longer than that originally proposed”.

For more information on the development, visit the council’s website.