More than 1,200 people have pledged a donation as the Madeira Terraces crowdfunding campaign total tops £200,000 with just over a month to go.
The total is almost halfway towards the £429,000 target for the online fundraising campaign.
The money is wanted to fund the first steps in the restoration of the historic seafront arches that stretch for half a mile along Madeira Drive in Brighton.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Warren Morgan said: “It’s been a fantastic campaign so far with well over a thousand people and local businesses pledging to help kick-start the restoration of the Madeira Terraces.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who has backed the campaign so far, particularly the dedicated group of residents who have organised a raffle with over 300 prizes donated by generous local traders.
“Now is the time for the city to get behind the campaign in the final stretch, buy a raffle ticket or make a pledge, whether it is £2 or £20,000, and help us show the Heritage Lottery Fund just how much the city loves the Terraces.
“If the crowdfunding and lottery bid succeed, we can begin the restoration, prove our business case and apply for the loan needed to bring the Terraces back to life.”
Some people have criticised the council for asking the public to pledge money but the aim is to show that there is public support for the project.
The crowdfunder follows a rejection of the council’s initial bid for funding for the refurbishment of the arches.
Councillor Morgan encouraged potential donors to visit the Save Madeira Terrace crowdfunding website – click here – and to support the raffle being organised by local resident Jax Atkins.
Tickets for the raffle cost just £1, with more than 350 prizes on offer. For more details and to visit the dedicated raffle Facebook page, click here.
