PLANS to restore Madeira Terrace have been finalised, with work set to begin by next summer.

The first phase of the work will see the transformation of 41 arches, roughly a quarter of the whole terrace, between the Royal Crescent steps and Concorde 2.

The restoration is set to bring back the much-valued function of the terrace as a “linear stadium” for viewing events along Madeira Drive and improving pedestrian access from Marine Parade to the seafront.

Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed that a planning application will be submitted, with approval to start the project to be sought at the council’s planning committee at the start of November.

Councillor Tom Druitt, chairman of the Eastern Seafront Project Board, said the project is the biggest the council has embarked on for many years.

He said: “It is an enormous task but we are making progress and it’s fantastic to now have the first phase underway.

“The renovation of 41 arches in phase one will bring a new lease of life to the eastern seafront, attract more visitors and benefit the whole city, particularly residents east of the pier.

“We know how important Madeira Terrace is to both residents and visitors alike, it has such a rich history and we’re determined to bring it back to life and see it sitting proudly on our seafront once again.”

The restoration work will address a number of key issues, including repairing and protecting the cast iron, redesigning the mid-deck walkway, restoring decorative elements at the front of the arches, such as the striking spandrels, and safeguarding and retaining the old green spindle plants to re-establish the Green Wall at the back of the terrace.

The Grade II listed Madeira Shelter Hall lift within Concorde 2 will also be restored and brought into line with modern standards, with a new staircase to be created to the west of the lift and a new lift to be installed at the Royal Crescent Steps.

Bill Puddicombe, chairman of the advisory panel, said: “Madeira Terrace is such an important part of our seafront and city heritage. So many of us have been waiting so long to see progress made.

“Work on the site is what we want to see and with the planning process now in progress, we’re moving another step closer to that “boots on site” moment we’re all longing for.”

The project aims to reduce waste and reuse as much existing material as possible, with hopes that a significant amount of cast iron can be repaired to minimise the new amount of cast iron pieces required.

Future phases of the restoration will be delivered as funding becomes available.