Seafront steps close again as lift work begins

It is the third time Brighton's Royal Crescent steps have closed as part of restoration work

A set of seafront steps in Brighton have closed for a third time as the next phase of building work continues.

The Royal Crescent steps in Madeira Terrace, which provide access to the lower promenade, closed in March and April for works and will shut again until 13 August as part of work to install a new lift.

Brighton & Hove City Council said work to prepare the ground for the lift shaft pit was underway" and represented a "welcome stage for the wider renovations".

Work began on restoring the first 28 of the terrace's 151 arches in November 2024.

The latest work includes the removal of concrete obstructions, building a pile platform and installing a guide beam and pile foundations for the future lift.

Councillor Julie Cattell described the developments as "an important part of the overall vision for the area" and a vital element of the council's "commitment to making our wonderful seafront accessible for everyone".

Madeira Terrace is a Grade II listed, 865-metre long stretch of seafront arches and promenade in Madeira Drive, built in the late 1800s.

Brighton & Hove City Council says it hopes the first section of restored arches will be open to the public next year

The same set of steps are also set for further closure between 26 August and 9 September.

Ms Cattell added: "We do appreciate the closure will impact residents and have worked with our contractors to reorder a few things to keep the steps open for as long as possible, particularly during the busy summer months."

The council said it hoped the first phase of restored arches would open to the public in 2026.