Madeira Terrace In Brighton To Be Restored
The Grade 2 listed Victorian Madeira Terrace in Brighton, currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, will be restored.
Historic England has pledged £750,000 to support the restoration of Madeira Terrace, the longest cast-iron structure in Britain.
This substantial grant will help initiate the refurbishment of the iconic Victorian cast iron arches, part of a multimillion-pound renovation led by Brighton & Hove City Council.
In the first phase, 28 of the 151 ornate arches and bays will be restored, along with the installation of a new fully accessible lift.
The project’s start date is expected to be announced later this month (October 2024).
Madeira Terrace is currently listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, highlighting the need to preserve some of the country's most important historic sites for future generations.
Madeira Terrace is an impressive 865 metre long covered promenade, featuring a shelter hall and a three-stage lift tower, constructed between 1890 and 1897.
Believed to be the longest continuous cast-iron structure in Britain, and possibly the world, it was designed as a space for leisurely seaside strolls and taking in the coastal views.
The terrace also served as a key link between Brighton’s new terraced homes and the seafront, during a period when sea bathing had become a fashionable pastime.
A beloved part of Brighton & Hove’s heritage, the public has shown immense support for its restoration.
This was reflected in the £440,000 raised through a crowdfunding campaign in 2017, demonstrating the community’s desire to see Madeira Terrace revived.
The condition of Madeira Terrace has continued to deteriorate, leading to its gradual closure to the public since 2012.
Throughout this period, Historic England has offered ongoing guidance and support, including advice on restoration and potential funding avenues.
In March 2020, on Historic England’s recommendation, the Terrace’s listing was elevated from Grade II to Grade II*, acknowledging its architectural and historical significance.
This upgrade also enabled its inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register for the first time, unlocking crucial funding from Historic England, available only for the most vulnerable buildings and structures in need of preservation.
Reacting to the news on social media, someone commented: “Great news!
”It's a shame that too many Councils simply appear to be erasing our history by demolishing older buildings, especially alongside seaside's to replace them with modern architecture.
”We need to preserve rather than scrap.. Beautiful Victorian architecture.
”Even town gas storage tanks should be kept, they could be adapted into leisure facilities or similar spaces.”
In a press release, Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: “The restoration of Madeira Terrace’s Victorian structure is an ambitious and unique project and we are grateful to Historic England for this award, which represents a vote of confidence in our plans.“
“Completing this first phase with Historic England’s support will showcase how the Terrace can be successfully restored in an authentic and thoroughly Brighton way and also help to attract funding for subsequent phases.
“We are now investing in a series of major projects to make Brighton & Hove’s seafront the most exciting in the country.
”As part of that, we’re committed to the restoration of Madeira Terrace and want to proceed with it as soon as possible.”
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