Restored cast iron returns to Madeira Terrace for reassembly

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.

Councillor Julie Cattell, lead member for major projects, said: “We’re making good progress on and off-site in terms of both the new lift and the repair of cast iron.

“Scaffolding is now in place around the lift, which will allow us to soon start installing the brick skin, made up of more than 20,000 bricks.

“The first of the repaired cast iron has now returned to site and this week we will begin to reassemble the century-old cast iron skeleton.

“This has never been done before so will require great care and skill. It is a real landmark moment for Madeira Terrace and the city.”

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.

A meeting is being held to update residents on progress so far next Wednesday at 5.30pm at Sea Lanes on Madeira Drive. Click here to register to attend.