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.
The Victorian Society today reveals that Brighton’s Madeira Terrace is one of 2015’s Top Ten Most Endangered Victorian and Edwardian Buildings in England and Wales. Brighton Council has stated that it must entirely replace what has been said to be the world’s longest cast iron structure. The Society urges the Council to make its survey public and to retain as much of the original structure as possible.
Griff Rhys Jones, The Victorian Society Vice President, launching the Top Ten, said “These are buildings that need help, and we need your help.” The national exposure from inclusion in the Society’s Top Ten often leads to new interest in the buildings which can help save them.
The 2,837 foot long Madeira Terrace has been said to the longest continuous cast iron structure in Britain or even the world. Although the seafront is an integral part of Brighton, the entire length of the structure was recently closed and businesses forced to leave because of the risk of collapse. Brighton Council has statedthat repairs cannot be made and a ‘like for like’ replacement is required. It seems unlikely that nothing from the entire length of the terrace can be repaired or salvaged. The Society has submitted a Freedom of Information request for a copy of the survey, but believes that Brighton Council should make it public immediately to ensure that as much of this historic 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.’
Pictures of Madeira Terrace can be found here.
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