Ambitious plan for Brighton seafront could create a '˜world-class' development

Developers aim to recreate the renowned Victorian arches as a ‘world-class, beachfront leisure destination’ which would mean hundreds of new jobs.

The project would create green public spaces and ‘make it easier for people to access Brighton beach via Madeira Drive’. Shops would be accessible from the beachfront and generate footfall from tourists and residents.

Related stories: Brighton company’s bid to transform Madeira Terrace

Developers hope to return Madeira Drive to its former glory, creating a vibrant hub of activity on the seafront, including a retail parade and food and beverage destination extending onto the promenade, as well as a world-class hotel development.

The new building and urban green spaces would aim to ‘substantially increase commercial performance, creating hundreds of jobs and encouraging international tourism to Brighton and Hove’.

The proposal is being led by Boxpark founder Roger Wade, who said: “As a Brighton and Hove resident I’m passionate about the regeneration of our outstanding sea-front. Maderia Drive and the accompanying terrace are the embodiment of the Victorian grandeur that saw Brighton become the UK’s favourite seaside destination.

“The new images show how our proposal would redevelop the area whilst maintaining the architecture that Madeira Terrace has become known for.”

New jobs

The new Madeira Terrace development would boast shops, green spaces, restaurants and a world-class hotel – as well as create hundreds of jobs – say developers.

The images show the reimagining of the renowned Victorian arches into a ‘world-class, beachfront leisure destination’.

The new development would create green public spaces and make it easier for residents and holidaymakers to access Brighton beach via Madeira Drive.

Retail units would be accessible from the beachfront and generate footfall from tourists and Brighton locals alike.

The project aims to return Madeira Drive to its former glory, creating a vibrant hub of activity on the seafront, including a year round retail parade and food and beverage destination extending onto the promenade.

The new building and urban green spaces would aim to substantially increase commercial performance, creating hundreds of jobs in the city and encouraging international tourism to Brighton and Hove.

Boxpark founder Roger Wade has developed the plans alongside local architect Paul Nicholson, from Chalk Architecture.

Mr Nicholson said: “Further to developing a concept to save the Madeira Arches in 2015, we have had an ongoing constructive engagement with the local community about our ideas.

“In response to significant public interest the scheme has evolved over time into a dynamic proposal of new and enhanced public space wrapping around retail, leisure and commercial office use.

“Working with the Boxpark team has transformed the scheme into an exceptionally exciting prospect.”

Boxpark is a Brighton-based retail and leisure development company specialising in creating spaces.