THE FIRST small steps in funding the renovation and replacement of Brighton’s deteriorating Victorian seafront have been made.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been successful in its bid for £50,000 of Government money to help launch its project to rebuild Madeira Terraces.

The grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Coastal Revival Fund will be used to help draw up a masterplan to bring in revenue raising businesses to the area.

The funding news has been welcomed by Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Government has committed this money for the much-needed regeneration of the Madeira Terraces.

“This area has the potential to be a fantastic tourist offering, as well as being a great place for local residents to use and businesses to invest in.

“I look forward to the council finally revealing their plans now that they have been given this initial funding.”

Bognor is also celebrating this morning after its funding bid for the same amount of money was always successful.

Their grant Coastal Revival Fund will be used to help fund the creation of a new heritage quarter in the Old Town around Norfolk Street to help to transform a neglected part of the town. 

It will allow Bognor Pier Trust to commission all the specialist services they need to make a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to bring the structure of the pier up to modern standards while enhancing the heritage features.

Paul Wells, chairman of the Bognor Pier Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding. Generations of tourists remember visiting the pier when they came to Bognor for their seaside holiday. This money will help us with our aim of restoring the pier so future holidaymakers will have similar memories to share.”