Brighton Council wants entire replacement of is said to be the world’s longest cast iron structure. The Society urges the Council to retain as much of the original structure as possible.
Grade II*-listed, 1890-97, Philip Lockwood
Running to a length of nearly three thousand feet, Madeira Terrace in Brighton is the longest continuous cast iron structure in Britain and, by some estimations, the world. The borough surveyor, Philip Lockwood, was responsible for developing the design concept, which included 151 separate arches with elaborate cast iron details and a boarded upper deck incorporating shelters, a three-stage lift tower, and custom-made wrought iron benches. Although the terrace plays important structural and commercial functions, stabilising a precarious cliff face and contributing positively to the visitor economy, the entire length of the structure was recently closed and businesses forced to leave due to concerns it was at risk of imminent collapse. The local council argues that repairs cannot be made and that a ‘like for like’ replacement is required, but it seems unlikely that nothing from the entire length of the terrace can be salvaged or repaired. The Victorian Society has submitted a Freedom of Information request for a copy of the condition survey, but believes the council should make it public, and then work to ensure that as much of the structure as possible is preserved.
Director of the The Victorian Society, Christopher Costelloe, said: ‘We’re grateful to everyone who nominated Madeira Terrace. Like all the buildings included in this year’s Top Ten Madeira Terrace is a listed building meaning that the Government has recognised its national importance. What is the seaside without a promenade? I urge the public to share the Top Ten list, and Griff’s message, to help ensure as much of Madeira Terrace as possible is preserved for future generations.’
Status Update / March 2026
Between 2015 and 2016, the structure was marked as unsafe by the local council and cordoned off from the public. Since then, work has begun on restoration and repairs, with the first phase, which involves restoring the first 28 arches and installing a new lift, approaching completion as of February 2026. Some key successes of the scheme so far include the full replacement of the upper deck with a waterproofed deck infrastructure for pop-up events, a programme of repainting with a system guaranteed to perform better in coastal conditions, the regreening of the Green Wall and planted verges, and a more pedestrian friendly layout in front of the structure to improve wheelchair access.