THE Madeira Terrace is set to receive a £2 million boost.

The crumbing Victorian structure on Brighton seafront has been at the centre of a number of failed lottery bids to restore its 148 arches.

But Brighton and Hove City Council has now announced it has earmarked the money to kick-start its regeneration.

It will be added to £460,000 which was raised to restore three of the arches.

Nick Hibberd, the council’s executive director for economy, environment and culture said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their commitment and enthusiasm for this unique heritage asset.

“Community input is crucial to making the restoration a success and the advisory panel will open up a practical way for those interested to stay involved and help place their vision at the heart of the restoration.

“We don’t underestimate the challenge of restoring 865 metres of a Victorian structure exposed to coastal weather and the resources we will need.

“But we can achieve our shared goals by working together and making things happen.”

The council has also announced the creation of an “advisory panel” which will consist of community representatives, who will work alongside the council.

The panel will have up to 12 members.

They will be from community groups, event organisers, and business, tourism and conservation representative.

They will meet four times a year.

Jax Atkins from the Save Madeira Terrace Campaign said she is “over the moon” with the announcement of the cash boost.

She said: “This is marvellous, now we can get on with it.

“Us volunteers have been banging on about it and keeping it in the public eye, and now, it’s borne some fruit.

“I want it spent on the three arches, work needs to get underway as people want to see the work happening.

“Once they can see the regeneration, people will happy.”

Mrs Atkins said she feels the work should begin on three “typical” arches near the planned Sea Lanes development, near Concorde 2.

A council spokeswoman said: “Regenerating Madeira Terrace will provide a new future for the eastern seafront along Madeira Drive.

“A progress report will be taken to the next tourism, development and culture committee on June 20 when councillors will discuss the next steps, including the need for a specialist design team to give the council and community partners a better understanding of the actual costs of achieving the restoration.

“As well as the £460,000 raised through a crowdfunding campaign, the council has earmarked £2 million from capital reserves for Madeira Terrace.

“The funds were first made available to match two bids made to National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) in 2018, but as the bids were unsuccessful, the council is reconsidering how to start work on the restoration.”

For general enquiries and to register for newsletter updates, contact madeira.terrace@brighton-hove.gov.uk