Work to strip back and repaint a section of Hove seafront’s railings is due to start next week.
Specialist contractors will begin garnet blasting – an environmentally friendly version of sand blasting – about 300 metres of railings west of the Meeting Place cafe.
It’s hoped this means original details, including the Martlets of the Sussex County emblem cast into the central circle of each panel, will be clearly visible once they are repainted.
Brighton and Hove City Council says it chose this approach following several trials of paint systems and preparation methods, as it offers a longer-lasting finish than other methods.
The railings will be covered while this work is carried out.
The work is due to be completed by September when the first phase of the programme will pause over the autumn/winter. This phase will also include restoration of the shelter opposite Waterloo Street.
Phase 2 will begin next spring when the air temperature starts to increase and winter storms have passed.
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “But by taking a section at a time and working with specialists we can ensure that this important part of our heritage is properly restored and preserved for future generations.”
The restoration project is part of the council’s current programme of maintenance and improvement work along the seafront to keep it looking spectacular, welcoming and fit for the future.
Earlier this year, eleven of the distinctive cucumber benches along Hove seafront were restored and repainted, with help and support from volunteers.
Councillor McGregor added: “Once the current project has been completed, we’d love to hear from any community groups interested in adopting a stretch of railing, or a restored shelter, and undertaking minor maintenance to the paintwork to help keep them looking clean and tidy.”
No specialist contractors needed, just good ones who know how to strip railings right down and paint them properly with the appropriate paint. A section is not much good though. They should have tendered for all the seafront railings and then put them on a rolling contract every three-five years so they never get in this state again. Piecemeal work is always best avoided for a consistent finish.
On the contrary Tracy.
A specialist contractor is required to do the work properly.
Not every building contractor will have the equipment needed to do the job properly or the knowledge to deal with repairs to cast iron.
And a 300m section is hardly ‘piecemeal’. To me it’s a good start.
Hove Prom is scheduled to be done next year.
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2026/working-together-maintain-seafront-be-proud