The idea
Madeira Terrace, a Grade II-listed structure running half a mile along the seafront, is falling into irreversible disrepair. This crowdfunding campaign is the crucial first step in a £24m plan to save the arches.
This campaign aims to restore at least three arches, but it will also do a whole lot more; helping the community to reimagine how all 151 could be used, unlocking £1m from the council, and proving a strong public mandate for future funding applications.
With your pledges, ideas, and volunteering we can return them to their former glory, and beyond! Once restored, Madeira Terrace will become the catalyst for regeneration of the eastern side of Brighton’s famous seafront.
Pledges will be refunded if planning permission and listed building consent cannot be obtained. Project costs are estimates based on the latest surveys. The council will cover any shortfalls if final works come in above cost.
What we'll deliver
- Restore first three arches to their original condition
- Ask the people of Brighton how they’d like to see them used!
- Explore pop-up uses within the arches once they are restored
- Develop plans for permanent restoration in consultation with you, our crowdfunding community
Why it's a great idea
This is a giant team effort by the people of Brighton, sourcing ideas as well as donations to create a vision for a Madeira Terrace that we can all get behind.
We are not sure what ideas will be put forward, how the arches will be used or which museums, bars, start-ups, shops, or artists will fill the
arches over the next year. But we are incredibly excited by the prospect of injecting life back into this strip of Brighton.
This project will harness the city’s energy and creativity, and allow the people of Brighton & Hove to make the country's coolest new estate - on our beach - together! It’s about galvanising support to preserve something old while at the same time providing something exciting and different that we can all use and enjoy, for years to come.
It must be noted that this costs for this campaign are estimates and subject to further detailed survey, final costs from contractors, and what is found when the structure is taken apart.
Steps to get it done
- Launch our crowdfunding campaign
- Consult the public on what they want for the arches
- Hit target
- Begin restoring the arches
- Open the newly restored arches to the community
Did you know.. Madeira Terrace has been said to be the longest cast iron structure in Britain or even the world.
The Victorian Society has also stated that Madeira Terrace is one of 2015's Top Ten Most Endangered Victorian and Edwardian Buildings in England and Wales.
All backers will become a Friend of Madeira Terrace, giving them multiple discounts and also voting rights on which companies initially move into the arches.
