Brighton's iconic seafront is on the cusp of a major overhaul as the government injects more than £22 million into repairing Victorian-era arches that underpin King's Road. The urgent intervention aims to prevent collapse, which could see one of Brighton's busiest routes shut down and deny access to 22,000 daily drivers and 1,500 cyclists.
The 100-year-old arches are in dire need of structural renewal, with the government warning that failure to act would put the road at risk of closure. The repair work will not only secure King's Road for another century but also pave the way for new commercial opportunities along the seafront. This includes plans for revamped spaces for local businesses, cafes, bars, and galleries.
The project is expected to be delivered in two phases, with phase one focusing on the section between the bandstand and the i360 set to be completed by 2027. Phase two will tackle the area west of Shelter Hall, finishing in 2029. The £22 million investment, allocated from the 2025 Spending Review, is bolstered by a £3.9 million contribution from Brighton and Hove City Council.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, hailed the news as vital for Brighton's future. He noted that the funding will not only strengthen the arches but also facilitate the creation of a better environment for local businesses and the potential development of a new paddling pool area along King's Road.