Brighton landmark receives huge injection of funds towards renovation

The grant of government cash will help kickstart the renovation of the cast iron arches of the Grade II* listed Victorian seaside landmark as part of a multimillion-pound project by Brighton and Hove City Council. 

Phase one of the project will see 28 of the 151 ornate arches and bays restored and a new, fully accessible lift installed. The start date is expected to be announced later this month. This phase was previously said to cost £11.6 million. The council agreed £3 million of funds to go towards that in August.

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. 

Tom Foxall, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The restoration of Madeira Terrace is an ambitious undertaking but one that is needed to secure the future of this extraordinary structure for the people of Brighton and Hove. This essential funding will assist in de-risking the initial stages of the project. We fully support the council’s repair strategy and look forward to work beginning on site imminently.” 

The 865m long covered terrace and walkway, built between 1890-1897, is thought to be the longest continuous cast-iron structure in Britain, possibly the world. It was designed for promenading and as a place to take in the sea views. It also connected Brighton’s new terraced houses, and their occupants, to the sea, at a time when sea bathing was first fashionable. 

Madeira Terrace was designed for promenading and as a place to take in the sea view (Image: Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove) Back in 2017, £440,000 was donated by the public during a crowdfunding drive to raise funds towards the restoration. 

Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: “The restoration of Madeira Terrace is hugely important, not just for protecting our unique heritage, but for breathing new life into the east of the seafront. Historic England’s support is a crucial step in bringing this much-loved landmark back to its former glory and a welcome sign of confidence in Brighton.  

“I, like many in our city, have watched the terraces deteriorate over time with great sadness. We’ve lost this vital public space east of the pier, and I’m delighted we’re revitalising it for a whole new generation. This is a historic turning point that will be a proud sign of what we can achieve together.”  

Madeira Terrace’s structure has continued to decline and it has progressively been closed off to the public since 2012. Historic England has provided ongoing advice and support on its restoration and potential funding opportunities. 

Residents have watched the terrace deteriorate over time (Image: Historic England Archive) The Terrace had its listing upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* in March 2020, on Historic England’s advice. The upgrade recognised the structure’s architectural and historic importance and allowed for it to be added to the Heritage at Risk Register for the first time. This has unlocked funding from Historic England that is only available to buildings and structures that are most in need. 

Madeira Terrace was designed by Philip C Lockwood (1821-1908), the Brighton Borough Surveyor. He was also responsible for the spectacular Bandstand, creating the Corn Exchange from the Prince Regent's riding school and adapting other buildings on the same site to form Brighton Museum.