Brighton and Hove City Council is preparing to consider a proposal involving a £4 million contribution toward a £41 million funding application aimed at carrying out repairs and structural strengthening work on a series of seafront arches.
Elected cabinet members will be asked to endorse the council’s financial commitment this week as part of an application to the Department for Transport.
The submission relates to phases six and seven of the longstanding A259 Seafront Arches Renewal Programme.
Should the bid prove successful, the allocated funds would be directed toward the restoration and reinforcement of 38 arches located beneath King’s Road, to the east of Shelter Hall in Brighton.
Council surveys have identified the structures as requiring immediate attention, with findings indicating that deterioration has reached a critical point where replacement is necessary to prevent potential collapse.
Such an eventuality could result in the closure of one of the city’s most heavily trafficked roads and render significant portions of the seafront inaccessible.
Traffic data indicates that King’s Road accommodates in excess of 25,000 vehicles and approximately 2,100 cyclists on a typical day.
The proposed works would follow an earlier successful funding application earlier in the year for phases four and five of the programme.
That application secured £22 million in central government support alongside a £3.9 million contribution from the council.
Construction on phases four and five is anticipated to commence shortly.
Phase four encompasses the section of arches situated between the Brighton i360 observation wheel and the bandstand structure.
Phase five concentrates on arches positioned to the west of Shelter Hall.
Councillor Trevor Muten, who holds the portfolio for transport and city infrastructure, stated that the funding application would help ensure the seafront’s long-term future.
He noted that King’s Road represents one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city and serves as a vital route for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
He emphasised that investment to guarantee its continued safe operation is essential for Brighton and Hove.
According to the councillor, grant funding would deliver considerable advantages if the application succeeds.
He acknowledged that the works would create challenges for businesses currently operating from the arches and stated that proactive communication and engagement with those affected would be undertaken to ensure smooth management of the project and the transition period, with support provided to the venues that contribute significantly to the local visitor economy.
The councillor characterised the proposal as extending beyond mere infrastructure work, noting that the renewal of the arches presents an opportunity to maintain the seafront as a thriving location for residents, visitors and the local business community that relies upon it.
The council has indicated that the programme aims to render the arches and the road above them safe and functional for the next century, while simultaneously developing enhanced commercial spaces for businesses located along the seafront.
Earlier stages of the programme have already brought about transformations to sections of the promenade.
Phase one involved the reconstruction of 26 arches, incorporating new retail units and public toilet facilities.
Phase two addressed the structural reinforcement of a further 33 arches situated between the West Pier and the Metropole Hotel.
Phase three comprised the construction of Shelter Hall, together with new toilet facilities on the lower promenade, a pedestrian walkway and sea wall improvements.
Subject to cabinet approval and the successful outcome of the funding application, phases six and seven would extend the programme further east of Shelter Hall.
The cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place at Hove Town Hall commencing at 10.30am on Thursday 17 September, when a determination on the matter is expected.
The proceedings will be available via webcast.