The Design Team's work

Since their appointment in 2020, the Restoration Design Team has been working hard to outline what will happen in each phase of restoration.   

Heritage architect specialists from Purcell researched and prepared a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Terrace. It identifies the unique qualities that make the Terrace special and how the Terrace and its restoration can be managed in the short, medium and long term. 

The design team used the existing CMP material to help them recommend which stretch of the Terrace we should restore for the first phase of the restoration. 40 arches were selected between Concorde 2 in the east and the Royal Crescent steps in the west. Restoration will include the green wall behind the structure. 

The final design produced by the Team was consulted on in winter 2021to 22 and was granted planning permission in November 2022. 

The Team completes RIBA stage 4 in February 2023. This is when Design Team completes everything that needs to be done before repair, manufacturing and construction starts later in the year. 

Phase 1 design  

The restoration work will address several key areas, including: 

  • repairing and protecting the cast iron 

  • redesigning the mid-deck walkway  

  • restoring decorative elements such as the striking spandrels at the front of the arches 

  • installing new seating, lighting, and space for pop-ups on the deck and at ground level, to accommodate events such as food festivals or live music 

  • improving public spaces on Madeira Drive

  • safeguarding and retaining the historic Japanese green spindle plants to re-establish the Green Wall at the back of the terrace 

What the Restoration Design Team do

Purcell 

Purcell are the architects who will lead and co-ordinate the Design Team to produce designs that are possible to carry out.  

The team from Purcell has extensive experience with heritage architecture and cast-iron structures. 

They have a good understanding of the challenges that come with using sustainable approaches to a heritage restoration project. 

HOP 

HOP are civil, marine, and structural engineers. 

They will verify the structural integrity of Madeira Terrace to help the team understand how much of the existing structure can be re-used and restored.  

The Terrace needs to be able to cope with today’s crowd-loading standards. 

This will allow Madeira Terrace to be used as a linear grandstand, where people can gather on the mid-level deck to watch events on Madeira Drive and the beachfront. 

Stantec 

Stantec’s mechanical and electrical engineering team are looking at mechanical and electrical elements of the designs. 

This includes things like lighting and better access to the seafront for everyone with a new lift.  

They’re also using circular economy principles by exploring how to use the natural resources already available in the area (sun, wind, rain) to provide power and water to Madeira Terrace. 

Landscape Projects 

Landscape Projects are the landscape architects focusing on: 

  • the conservation and integrity of the Green Wall 

  • access to Madeira Terrace 

  • identifying how to support more biodiversity, create shelter and retain water to help manage the impact of a changing climate 

Faithful & Gould 

Faithful & Gould (F&G) are specialist project managers. 

They’ll work with Purcell to co-ordinate the design team’s work and report progress to us. 

They’ll go on to manage and co-ordinate the appointment of the contractors who will do the restoration and construction works. 

MGAC

MGAC are cost consultants. 

They’ll assess the costs of restoration options by drawing market comparisons for the materials needed for restoration and construction. 

They will make sure all forms of carbon are accounted for in line with our pledge for the city to be carbon neutral by 2030. 

Fourth Street 

Fourth Street are specialists in business planning for heritage and cultural assets like Madeira Terrace.  

They’ll recommend a business model for the first phase of restoration.  

The whole team will explore how circular economy principles can be applied to the restoration and re-use of the Terrace. 

For example, through sourcing building materials locally where we can.  

Designs will respect the structure’s unique heritage and the green wall which predates the Terrace.