PEOPLE are worried Madeira Terrace will "become another West Pier" after the council confirmed restoration of the Grade II* site will be delayed until 2023.

The structure, built from 1890, was closed from the public for safety reasons in 2012, with work expected to have started by now after millions of pounds in funding was raised.

Planning permission was supposed to be submitted by last summer but will now be this spring.

Argus readers expressed concerns that the crumbling Grade II* structure will keep on being delayed every year.

 

Writing on Facebook, Yvonne Thompson said: “Disgusting. The longer they leave it, the worse its going to be to repair. It used to be beautiful. They will come up with another excuse in 2023.”

While people said they were worried that Madeira Terrace would “become another West Pier”.

Nick Bounds added: “The arches would not be in such a dilapidated state today if council leaders over the decades had paid more attention to maintaining the prime assets of Brighton. Shame on all of them, past and present.”

The Argus: Picture from Terry Applin of the 865 metre Madeira TerracePicture from Terry Applin of the 865 metre Madeira Terrace

In 2020, the Madeira Terrace, Madeira Walk, lift tower and related buildings were added to Historic England’s register of heritage at risk.

The “at risk” status came just a year after Historic England upgraded the terrace from Grade II to Grade II*.

The council confirmed the delay to work in response to a written question in full council last Thursday.

Phelim Mac Cafferty, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council responded to the question describing the project as “complex” with a “wide range of issues and challenges” which need to be resolved.

The Argus: Madeira Terrace has been fenced off since 2012Madeira Terrace has been fenced off since 2012

Cllr Mac Cafferty said: “The current timeframe for the first 41 arches will see the planning application submitted in spring this year and we expect this to be determined by the autumn.

“The feedback from the market engagement has been that a two-stage procurement process will bring longer-term benefits, attract more bidders, and achieve a better price. The procurement is now expected to be completed at the start of 2023 and construction to start shortly after.