£750k Boost to Save Brighton’s Iconic Madeira Terrace!
Historic England Pumps Cash Into Victorian Gem
Brighton’s beloved Madeira Terrace is getting a major makeover thanks to a £750,000 cash injection from Historic England. This Grade II* listed Victorian landmark, famous for its stunning cast iron arches, faces a much-needed revival as part of Brighton & Hove City Council’s multimillion-pound restoration plan.
Phase One: 28 Arches and a New Lift
The first phase will focus on restoring 28 of the 151 ornate cast iron arches and bays, plus installing a brand-new, fully accessible lift. The terrace, stretching a whopping 865 metres along the seafront, has been closed for years due to safety concerns and was slapped on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register back in 2020.
Community Cheers £440k Crowdfunding Success
The restoration has strong backing from locals. In 2017, a community crowdfunding campaign raised £440,000 to kickstart the efforts. Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, hailed the new funding as “a significant step forward” in bringing the terrace back to life.
Preserving Brighton’s Seaside Soul
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown, said: “The restoration of Madeira Terrace is hugely important, not just for preserving our unique heritage, but for revitalising the east of the seafront. Historic England’s support is a crucial step in bringing this much-loved landmark back to its former glory.”
Built between 1890 and 1897, Madeira Terrace once dazzled visitors with breathtaking sea views and intricate marine-inspired ironwork, featuring mythical faces like Poseidon and Aphrodite. Now, the project aims to restore this architectural marvel and secure its place as a vibrant focal point of Brighton’s coastline for generations to come.
Fast Facts:
- Funding: £750,000 from Historic England
- Restoration: 28 arches and bays plus accessible lift in Phase 1
- Heritage Status: Grade II* listed, on Heritage at Risk Register since 2020
- Length: 865 metres—Britain’s longest continuous cast iron structure
- Community Role: £440,000 raised via 2017 crowdfunding
This grand restoration promises to revive Brighton’s Victorian charm and open up fresh public spaces along the iconic seafront. Watch this space—Madeira Terrace is set for a spectacular comeback!
