The first of Madeira Terrace’s original cast iron elements are returning to the site to be reassembled after being tested and restored.
The components of the 27 arches in the first phase of the terrace’s restoration were removed last November and taken to a specialist foundry in Leicestershire.
In January, it was announced all had passed stress testing – and this week, the first large parts began to be put back into place.
Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the terrace and is funding the restoration, has previously said it hopes the arches will be reassembled and the new lift operational by the end of summer.
The council appointed structural engineers J T Mackley and Co to oversee the project. They have subcontracted Cast Iron Welding Services to test and repair the cast iron parts.
In October, Mackley said some parts of the arches had not passed initial stress tests and further tests were being conducted. But last month, the council said all had now passed.
Once complete, the new lift will be maintained by the same company which maintains all the council’s lifts as part of the same contract.
Electricity supplies are being installed along the terrace so the arches can be used by traders.
