The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced £22m for the replacement of Victorian-era arches supporting King's Road in Brighton.
The arches are in ‘urgent need' of replacement to prevent the closure of the road that runs the length of the city's coastline. This investment will be used to make the road ‘stable for the future' and to create ‘new and improved space' for local businesses along the seafront.
According to the DfT, the road sees 22,000 vehicles and nearly 1,500 cyclists a day, bringing both tourists and residents in and out of the city centre.
The project is expected to be split into two phases. The first section, which runs between the bandstand and the i360 observation tower, is scheduled for completion by 2027, with the second section in ‘the area west of Shelter Hall' expected to be finished by 2029.
Roads minister, Simon Lightwood, said: ‘Brighton is home to a whole host of attractions, from its iconic beach and legendary pier to the fantastic local businesses dotted across the nearby lanes.
‘This funding will mean that everyone can continue to enjoy all of these for the next 120 years by revamping the Victorian arches that dozens of businesses along the seafront call home – boosting growth across Brighton.'
Funding from the DfT was made available from the 2025 Spending Review, with Brighton and Hove Council also contributing an additional £3.9m to the project.
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, added: ‘This funding means we can strengthen the Victorian-era arches so they can support the road, pavement and cycle lane on one of the city's busiest routes for another 100 years.
‘But we'll also be able to create a better home for local businesses in this vibrant space on the seafront and, working with local communities, look at options for a new and improved King's Road paddling pool area.'
