Pavilion dome at risk of collapse due to rot

Rotten wood can be seen inside one of the nine smaller domes on the roof of the Royal Pavilion

One of the onion-shaped domes on the roof of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion is at risk of collapsing.

Workers discovered a large piece missing from the render of the dome, to the right of the palace’s main entrance, during routine stonework maintenance.

Water has caused substantial decay to the inner structure of the pinnacle. Without repairs, it could crumble.

Jo Hatwell, historic buildings manager at Brighton & Hove Museums, told the BBC: “It is devastating that this has happened."

It will cost roughly £20,000 to make the repairs – but the organisation still needs £10,000 to reach that amount.

The nine small domes were built using wood and iron, finished to resemble stone or stucco.

A crack in the dome was letting in more water than at first thought

Ms Hatwell said: "We were alarmed at just how significant the damage was and the extent of the damage on the wood.

“We have to galvanise quickly, but our budgets are currently stretched with the vital work we are carrying out on the Brighton Museum & Gallery roof restoration.

"So we are appealing for extra assistance to help us fix this small but important dome.”

Wood inside the dome can be seen in a poor condition

Hedley Swain, head of Brighton & Hove Museums, said: “Our conservation team works tirelessly to keep on top of the huge amount of maintenance this 200-year-old building requires, but it is difficult to plan for all eventualities, such as the failure of a stone render.

“As a charity, our reserves are limited, especially as we have spent the last few years in recovery following the pandemic."

Work will start "imminently" and is set to last for six weeks.

The public can still visit the pavilion and tours will continue as normal.

The rooms below the at-risk dome are used as a gift shop and offices.