Brighton can boast of several stupendous structures ranging from the Royal Pavilion and the piers to the aquarium.

But in many ways the most remarkable was the creation of Madeira Terrace stretching more than half a mile from the aquarium to Duke’s Mound.

Built in 1896 the terrace was half way between Marine Parade on the top and Madeira Drive underneath.

It was supported on a series of handsome cast-iron columns, which also provided a covered promenade at sea level.

Great care was taken with the design, which included ornamental lampposts and lanterns in Marine Parade.

Historian Clifford Musgrave wrote: “The whole project of terraces, arches and lamp posts forms a remarkable example of Victorian architectural design, which it is difficult to imagine could ever be surpassed.”

The terrace replaced low, crumbling cliffs, which had constantly threatened the stability of the old town, especially in stormy weather.

It also provided a wonderful platform for viewing the many events and attractions at that end of Brighton such as the Veteran Car Run and the London to Brighton bike ride.

The cost of providing this terrace, plus a sea wall to the east and west of it, was £150,000, a lot of money in those days and an imaginative investment in the resort.

A contemporary commentator Dr A B Granville said the expense would have appalled the Government but it created the finest marine promenade in the world.

Cast iron is one of the materials best able to withstand the tremendous damage caused to seafront structures by salt driven gales as the Palace Pier has proved.

But even this amazing metal needs some care and attention and it seems not enough has been done over the years by the council to protect such an enormous asset.

It has been so weakened that it has had to be closed to the public, severely reducing the attraction of Madeira Drive as a viewing platform.

Tory councillor Graham Cox is alarmed at the state of the terrace and says long-term solutions need to be considered by the authority. He would like to see money from developing the nearby Black Rock swimming pool site invested in the arches.

Black Rock has been derelict for the best part of 40 years but could potentially house a large and profitable leisure development.

Coincidentally I was thinking the same myself. Other Victorian structures such as the piers have the potential of attracting money-making schemes on their own sites. But it is hard to see how this can be achieved on a terrace which has to be kept open so that it can provide a walk and viewing platform.

Graham Cox is concerned that the neglected state of the terrace is making Madeira Drive itself look tatty.

This must be of concern to a council which has said over the years it wants to redevelop and improve the seafront east of the Palace Pier.

The aquarium, now the Sea Life centre, has shown the way by spending millions on renovating the attraction but it has the advantage of being almost opposite Brighton’s biggest attraction, the Palace Pier.

Go only a few yards east and the vista is predominately tacky. The rooftop redevelopment of the aquarium failed to be either an architectural or a commercial asset.

Beach buildings are generally tatty and there is a crying need for better transport from the pier to the Marina along Madeira Drive.

There are some places worth visiting along Madeira Drive such as the nightclub Concorde 2, the Yellowave beach sports centre, a council-built children’s playground and a crazy golf course.

But most visitors do not head any further east when they reach the Palace Pier because it looks so unappealing.

The Brighton Marathon on Sunday brought a welcome tide of humanity to Madeira Drive but problems with Madeira Terrace have reduced its appeal and the layout of the finish at the face actively discouraged people from going any further along the road.

Renovating the terrace will cost millions of pounds and will be almost as major a job as building it was 120 years ago but it can and must be done.

Without it Madeira Drive will slowly degenerate into a seaside slum instead of being restored to the magnificent section or seafront rightly praised in the past.