A MAJOR step has been taken towards the long-awaited restoration of the crumbling seafront arches.

Brighton and Hove City Council announced it has appointed an architect to create designs for the first 30 arches in Madeira Terrace.

In recent months the authority has come under fire for moving at a “glacial pace” in its endeavours to restore the historic structure.

Conservative Councillor Mary Mears accused the council of inaction.

She said: “There is much talk about what the council would like to do – but to date it is all talk.”

Meanwhile fellow Tory Councillor Dee Simson highlighted the importance of the arches, saying they were the city’s “shop window” and “just as important as the Royal Pavilion”.

But now the council has acted, taking a major step towards restoring 30 of the 151 arches – the first phase of the project which has been dubbed MT30.

Purcell Architecture Ltd has been appointed as the architect, tasked with providing designs for the first batch of arches.

The company has a history of working on heritage sites, as well as incorporating environment sustainability into their designs.

It has previously completed projects on the Houses of Parliament, Canterbury Cathedral and the Elizabeth Tower, which hosts Big Ben.

Brighton and Hove City Council says it is now in the process of “procuring the rest of the design team to join the architects to explore options and produce detailed plans for the project”.

The authority has said that, once a planning application for the site has been approved, restoration work at the site can be tendered to a contractor.

Council leader Nancy Platts said: “The appointment of the architect is a positive step towards restoring the Madeira Terrace arches.

“Purcell have an excellent track record in restoration and I’m delighted that they are going to work on Madeira Terrace, helping to bring the backdrop of our city to life again.”

It is believed the complete overhaul of the arches will be carried out over five phases in the next few years, with the MT30 project being the first of these.

The council says “the ambition for Madeira Terrace is to creatively re-purpose it as a year-round place for sustainable tourism, leisure, recreation and culture”.

The announcement that an architect has been appointed has been heralded by long-time campaigners.

James Farrell, of the Madeira Terrace Advisory Panel, said: “The announcement of the architect being appointed is a great step forward for the Madeira Terrace restoration project.

“As a member of the advisory panel, I am looking forward to working with them to restore the terrace for a better future for our city’s seafront.”