Restoration work has officially begun to restore dozens of historic seafront arches after years of campaigning.

Workers began to survey Madeira Terraces this morning as part of historic plans to restore some of the arches back to their former glory on Brighton seafront.

The official start of works today aims to see 28 of the historic arches restored by the summer of 2026.

Lead contractors JT Mackley and Co began to survey the dilapidated arches this morning which have begun to rust over the years.

Contractors at Madeira TerracesContractors at Madeira Terraces (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Currently fenced off, the arches also suffer from graffiti, overgrowing vegetation and other structural issues.

Work to restore the first 28 arches and build a new, fully accessible lift is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

Madeira TerracesMadeira Terraces (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

The first phase of repairs to the 151 ornate arches will also include a "full replacement of the upper deck with a waterproofed deck, infrastructure for canopies and shades and for pop-up events".

Works will also look to retain some of the best specimens of the Japanese spindle plants, which are older than the Victorian terraces themselves.