Latest updates - April 2025

Progress

  • We have started the process of identifying what repairs are needed on the retaining wall, drilling boreholes through the top layers to assess the concrete behind.
  • We are moving carefully down the length of the section painstakingly dismantling the truss and columns of each arch
  • As each arch is dismantled, so too is the deck. The specialist equipment nibbles its way along, but the construction team also have to drill out the concrete close to the ironwork.

Next steps

  • The deck will be dismantled bay by bay as the dismantling process progresses.
  • We will continue tagging each piece of the cast iron as we dismantle the arches. These will start to be transported to the foundry for shot blasting, casting repairs and coloured protective coating.
  • The rear wall was constructed in the 1830s to hold back the unstable cliff face, allowing for construction of the Marine Parade. Metres-worth of “bungaroosh” material, popular in Brighton at the time of construction, sit in front of the cliff face and this supports the Terrace deck. To dismantle and then reinstate the arches, we will need to remove some of this material and repair the wall to modern standards.

Royal Crescent Steps

The Royal Crescent Steps re-opened on 2 April 2025 following the early completion of initial works.

We are planning to shut the steps again from 22 April for approximately two weeks while we undertake work on the rear wall. We will put up advance closure signage to give time for users to prepare for alternative routes.

Next 3 months

  • Break out the deck
  • Foundry begin cast iron restoration
  • Install new electric supply
  • Start rear wall concrete repairs
  • Borehole investigation to be concluded 

We hope that the first phase of restored arches could be open to the public in 2026.

You can read about the latest progress update for residents on our engagement and consultation page.