Engineering work is taking place on the Royal Albion Hotel, some six months after fire devastated part of the building.

The almost 200-year-old hotel in Old Steine, Brighton, partially collapsed after the blaze gutted a large portion of it.

Firefighters from across the county were called as the fire raged. King’s Road was closed for several weeks as demolition of the western side of the hotel took place.

An investigation by fire crews concluded the blaze was likely started by a discarded cigarette which had not been completely put out.

Passers-by have spotted scaffolding around the building, which is owned by Britannia Hotels.

Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed the company is undertaking “remedial works” to the hotel.

The Argus: Scaffolding has been erected at the hotel following last year's fireScaffolding has been erected at the hotel following last year's fire (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

A council spokesman said: “We worked extremely hard to deal with the immediate aftermath of the Royal Albion Hotel fire and late last year handed the site back to its owner Britannia Hotels.

“It is a key city centre site and we’re obviously very keen to see it brought back into use and looking great again.

“It is for Britannia Hotels to now come forward with their plans to remediate the site.

“All proposals will require close liaison with our planning team, especially due to the listed building status of the site.

“Britannia Hotels have informed us they are undertaking remedial works to the building.

“We stand ready to support Britannia with what is likely to be a complex and lengthy process.

“In the meantime, we are keeping a close eye on the site to ensure that the remaining structure does not deteriorate further and present a danger to the public, the local road network and neighbouring businesses.”

Refurbishment and reconstruction after a previous fire at the Royal Albion Hotel in 1998 took almost two years and £7 million before it reopened to guests in the summer of 2000.

The Argus has repeatedly contacted Britannia Hotels for comment since the fire in July last year, but has yet to receive a response.