Working together to maintain a seafront to be proud of

Brighton & Hove City Council is launching a new programme of maintenance and improvement work along the seafront to keep it looking spectacular, welcoming and fit for the future.

The council is responsible for maintaining around 13 kilometres of seafront, stretching from Hove Lagoon to Saltdean, much of which is made up of unique Victorian structures. 

While teams are continuously working to keep our seafront clean, accessible and the people who use it safe, there is a longer-term plan for a phased refurbishment of railings, shelters and benches.

To get that underway, the council has secured £280,000 towards a dedicated programme of seafront maintenance this summer. This will include repairs and refurbishment to seafront railings, benches and shelters, alongside ongoing safety checks, cleaning and essential repairs to promenades and public areas.

With 6km of railings, 18 shelters and 19 cucumber benches, this won’t cover them all, so we’re focusing on the areas that most need improvement and maintenance, or where there is the greatest impact on public safety and access.

Preparation for that work is already underway before the railings on Hove Prom start to be refurbished later in the year.

A new specialist approach is being used to refurbish cast-iron railings, following trials of improved paint systems and preparation methods. This work is delivering a longer-lasting finish and reducing the need for repeat repairs, particularly in the most exposed locations, including sections of Hove seafront.

Supporting improvements to our seafront

Last summer the council launched a social value scheme to restore Hove’s distinctive cucumber benches. The repair and repainting of benches was delivered through a partnership with contractor RJ Dance, local suppliers and the Community Payback Service. The initial phase was carried out at no cost to the council as part of a wider approach to seafront maintenance.

Having completed 11 benches last summer, we’re working with RJ Dance again, as well as FM Conway and Edburton, who will be turning their attention to 3 of the shelters on Marine Parade.

Further funding for the seafront

Alongside this work we’re looking at other income streams to put towards seafront improvements, and we’ll be flexible to add things to the programme.

One such source of income could come from the new beach huts recently installed at Hove Lagoon and on sale now.

Other maintenance is being carried out as part of the major projects – with improvements taking place at Madeira Terrace, and as part of the A259 work, railings will be refurbished.

Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “Our seafront is one of Brighton & Hove’s most loved and recognisable places, but also one of the most challenging to maintain.

“We have a plan to tackle longstanding issues and make sure the seafront remains attractive and accessible for everyone who lives here, works here or comes to visit.

“We can’t fix everything at once or do it alone, but this funding will make a real difference to how parts of the seafront look and feel this summer. There is still much more to do, and we’re exploring every opportunity to secure further support so we can continue to maintain and improve our much-loved seafront.”

Further updates on work will be shared as projects progress and it will be planned to minimise impact, keep key routes open and maintain access for businesses and seafront users, particularly during busier periods.

The maintenance programme sits alongside major regeneration and restoration projects already in progress, including Madeira Terrace, Hove Beach Park and wider coastal and public realm improvements. Together, these projects aim to protect the seafront’s heritage while improving its appearance, accessibility and resilience for residents, businesses and visitors.

What’s been happening on the seafront recently

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