Brighton: Madeira Arches contract announcement next month

A new fence has been erected around the Grade II listed Madeira Lift after a survey found the shaft needed major structural repairs costing more than half a million pounds.

The lift and arches along Madeira Drive underneath have been earmarked for renovation for a number of years and Brighton and Hove City Council is making progress for this to become a reality.

A sign outside the lift (Image: Andy Gardner)

Contractors have been bidding to work on the project for the last three months and the consultation closes in three weeks. The Argus has been told an announcement will be made in early June.

The tall, green fence appears more permanent than the previous heras fencing which kept the lift secure - in keeping with the fencing below on Madeira Drive.

A sign on the fence warns people of the "dangerous structure" behind. It reads: "This section of Madeira Terrace is closed due to structural issues.

"Alternative staircases remain open for access to Marine Parade and Madeira Drive.

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"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and ask for your understanding while repair and replacement works are carried out."

Madeira Terrace is considered the longest cast-iron structure in the country and the first phase of the restoration has already been prepared, which included soil assessments, iron surveys and foundation measurements.

The first phase will include the restoration of 28 arches and bays and the replacement of the upper deck. The lift has been removed from the plans for the first phase due to the extent of works required.

Plans of what the area could look like once works are completed (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

Phase one will have £11.6 million of investment and work is expected to start in summer, lasting up to two years. The first group of arches could open in summer 2026.

A council spokesman told The Argus: "We are committed to restoring Madeira Terrace and are continuing to work towards work starting as soon as possible.

“The current tendering process includes plans for a new lift to take over from the Grade II listed Madeira Lift, which has been closed since a survey showed the shaft needs major structural repairs.

"These repairs have been estimated to cost at least £500,000 and are not included in our phase one restoration plans. The existing lift also does not meet modern accessibility standards.

A woman walks past the new fence surrounding the lift (Image: Andy Gardner)

“The recent change in fencing is to make the area more secure and be more in keeping with the surrounding area.

“The planned renovation of Madeira Terrace is a highly specialist and complex restoration project. The tender assessment process takes three months and will close at the end of May.

“This is an exciting time for Madeira Terrace, and we hope to announce the next steps in early June.”