Green councillors are delighted with the latest award for a regeneration initiative delivered during their 2011-15 administration. The Sussex Heritage Trust Award has been given for the outstanding conservation work to 26 Victorian arches on Brighton seafront during 2012 to 2014.
The seafront arches had been in a dilapidated state for years with serious structural issues threatening the integrity of the road above. The Green administration won £7million of government funding to restore the arches and the substructure for the road. In March 2015 a further £9million was won through the Coast to Capital Local Economic Partnership to renovate the additional arches at the bottom of West St, including reconstruction of Shelter Hall.
Cllr. Pete West, the Green’s Environment spokesperson, said:
“The renovation of these arches was one of many projects that we initiated and won funding for whilst in administration to restore and improve our seafront and the city. While celebrating our Victorian heritage, the arches also house new artist studios which bring a vibrant atmosphere to the area, while, crucially, holding up the main seafront road for the foreseeable future. I’m very proud of our success in attracting investment for this and other sections of the seafront which will enable further improvements over the next few years. With the i-360 tower rising up from the beach, it’s exciting to see our vision for seafront renewal steadily unfolding.”