The UK Government has announced £22 million in funding to help replace ageing Victorian arches supporting King’s Road on Brighton seafront.
The investment, confirmed on Sunday, 5 July is intended to secure the future of the busy coastal route, which runs above a series of arches that Brighton & Hove City Council says are in need of significant repair and replacement.
The council has warned that without intervention the structures could deteriorate further, posing risks to the road, pavement and cycle lane above.
King’s Road is one of Brighton’s main transport routes, carrying around 22,000 vehicles and almost 1,500 cyclists each day. It also provides access to tourist attractions including Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Beach and the i360.
The funding will be used to replace dozens of arches and create refurbished commercial units along the seafront. The Government said the project would help support local businesses and improve public spaces in the area.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said the scheme would help secure the future of the seafront while supporting economic growth.
“Brighton is home to a whole host of attractions, from its iconic beach and legendary pier to the fantastic local businesses dotted across the nearby lanes,” he said.
“This funding will mean that everyone can continue to enjoy all of these for the next 120 years by revamping the Victorian arches that dozens of businesses along the seafront call home.”
The project will be delivered in two phases. Work between the Brighton Bandstand and the i360 is expected to be completed by 2027, while a second phase west of Shelter Hall is scheduled to finish by 2029.
The £22 million Government contribution will be supplemented by £3.9 million from Brighton & Hove City Council.
Councillor Trevor Muten, the council’s cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said the funding was vital to the long-term future of the route.
“This funding means we can strengthen the Victorian-era arches so they can support the road, pavement and cycle lane on one of the city’s busiest routes for another 100 years,” he said.
“But we’ll also be able to create a better home for local businesses in this vibrant space on the seafront and, working with local communities, look at options for a new and improved King’s Road paddling pool area.”
The announcement comes alongside separate Government funding of more than £26 million over the next four years for road maintenance and pothole repairs across Brighton & Hove.
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