MILLIONS in government funding has been granted to fix a crumbling section of the seafront.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been awarded £9 million by the Department for Transport to carry out urgent repairs to the Shelter Hall structure at the end of West Street.

In its application for funding, the council warned the seafront section, which carries 36,000 vehicles a day, was at risk of collapse.

Council bosses said a collapse could render parts of the city “inaccessible” and warned the loss of the westbound A259 would mean traffic diversions costing £1 million.

The Shelter Hall structure failed an assessment and the previous occupiers, Riptide Gym, were evicted amid fears the roof could collapse. Since then, the building has been propped up and the council warned continuing this temporary measure would have cost them £110,000 a year.

Without the funding for the structural revamp, the council said the only “viable alternative” would be to completely fill the Shelter Hall structure with concrete, rendering it unusable.

An adjacent structure collapsed after workmen in the Fortune of War pub pulled down a section of paneling revealing the damage – leading to nine months of roadworks.

Council leader Jason Kitcat said: “We warmly welcome the good news that we have secured funding for essential work to the seafront infrastructure.

“The money from the Government’s national Challenge Fund will be used to reconstruct the former West Street Shelter Hall, which is part of the historic arches.

“Built in the 1880s, this unusual building actually supports the upper promenade at the junction of the A259 and West Street.

“It is in a very poor condition and needs to be replaced. The seafront is vital to our city’s economy and needs significant investment to maintain and develop.”

The council has said the works will secure the at-risk section for 120 years.

The project is predicted for completion by 2017/18 and promises to bring improved traffic flows with a remodelled junction, which council officers promise will mean improved traffic flows and safer travel.

New toilets will also be constructed and the council predicts it will receive £150,000 a year in commercial rents.

The Argus exclusively revealed the seafront was in need of £100 million regeneration and earlier this year councillors agreed a ten-year plan to save the iconic landmark.

Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Good quality local roads are essential for people to get on with their daily business and today’s announcement will provide extra capacity where it is needed most.

“This Government has put record funding in place for local roads as part of our long-term economic plan to improve journeys, create jobs and drive economic growth.”

Five key points for funding

  • Securing Shelter Hall section of seafront for 120 years
  • Reduction in road accidents and improved traffic flow at remodelled junction.
  • Additional revenue of about £150,000 a year to the council from commercial rents
  • New and modern toilets built.
  • Increased safety for cyclists, who would lose a cycle lane if there was a collapse.