Restoration Efforts Begin at Madeira Terrace

Initial restoration activities have commenced on the seafront arches and promenade of Brighton’s Madeira Terrace. These efforts are initially focused on the A259 retaining wall, also identified as the East Cliff Wall and Green Wall. Brighton & Hove City Council stated that an initial phase of the restoration involves clearing existing vegetation to reinforce the cliff face and facilitate crucial engineering tasks on the structure. Jacob Taylor, who serves as the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and city regeneration, commented that the initiatives “will lead to the Green Wall becoming more biodiverse and greener when the work is completed”. As the restoration proceeds, parking bays situated between Royal Crescent Steps and Concorde 2/Madeira Shelter Hall will be taken out of use. The council indicated that details regarding alternative parking provisions would be released soon. Royal Crescent Steps is scheduled for a temporary closure in early December, with prior notifications of these closures to be posted at the location, as per the council. The restoration of Madeira Terrace is planned in phases, and the council anticipates that a significant portion of the project will be finished by summer 2026. This Grade II-listed structure, constructed in the late 1800s, has largely been inaccessible to the public since 2014 due to structural degradation that rendered the terrace unsafe. Notwithstanding the initial removal of vegetation, the council stated its objective is to enhance biodiversity and foster the presence of plants and animals in the area. Mr Taylor remarked, “The planting works are the last stage of the project, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results when we are once more able to enjoy this iconic piece of our heritage.” Alasdair Glass of the Regency Society expressed that he was “delighted” by the commencement of the work. He informed BBC Radio Sussex that “It’s a major historic building,” and further noted that it is considered to be the longest land-based promenade in England, possibly even globally. He additionally commented, “They probably started to deteriorate soon after they were built,” and “It’s been difficult, if not impossible, to keep the deck watertight and it’s in an extremely exposed seafront position.”