Work to restore and strengthen Brighton’s King’s Road arches is due to begin between the Bandstand and The Seahorse restaurant, with a construction compound already in place.
Brighton & Hove City Council said in its 28 September announcement that construction would start within the next couple of weeks. Fencing has been installed around the affected arches, with the compound to the west of the Bandstand.
The Victorian structures support the A259 above them as well as providing premises for seafront businesses. The work forms the next stage of a programme that has already created new shops, public toilets and Shelter Hall.
The project will also affect the King’s Road paddling pool and playground, which must close during this phase of construction.
King’s Road arches work at a glance
| Next section | Between Brighton Bandstand and The Seahorse restaurant |
|---|---|
| Expected start | Within a couple of weeks of the council’s 28 September announcement; no exact date given |
| Site preparations | Compound west of the Bandstand and fencing around the affected arches |
| Promenade access | Works areas will be closed, with unaffected sections remaining open |
| Family facilities | King’s Road paddling pool and playground affected throughout the works |
Why do the seafront arches need rebuilding?
The arches have been exposed to the marine environment for more than a century. Surveys have identified structural deterioration, with the council warning that failure could force the closure of the road above.
The council’s project information puts daily use of King’s Road at more than 25,000 vehicles and 2,100 cyclists.
Its February 2026 cabinet report records that the 14 arches in phase four have needed temporary supports since an inspection identified cracking in 2017. They have remained under regular monitoring.
The wider restoration programme includes repairing damaged brickwork and concrete, replacing corroded structural elements and rebuilding deteriorated sections. The council says the work will also improve the premises available to businesses at beach level.
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: “These historic structures are a vital part of our seafront infrastructure and this investment will help protect them for many years to come.”
What will happen to promenade access and businesses?
The February cabinet report says the public will not be able to use the promenade within designated construction areas, but unaffected sections of the lower promenade will remain open.
It also says tenants in the affected arches will have to vacate their premises for the duration of the work, with money allocated for compensation.
The council says it will communicate temporary access arrangements to residents, businesses and visitors throughout the project. Its September announcement does not set out a detailed road-closure or diversion timetable.
Seafront access
Allow for changes around the works
Fencing is already in place around the affected arches. Check the council’s current access information before visiting a particular business or planning a step-free route through this section of the seafront.
What happens to the paddling pool and playground?
The King’s Road paddling pool and play area sit in front of the phase-four arches. The cabinet report says the play area must close throughout construction and will need improvement afterwards.
The council’s project page sets out plans for a feasibility study and consultation on the future facility, with an ambition to have a replacement operating in 2027.
In a separate August announcement, the council invited expressions of interest from organisations willing to invest in the site. The proposed redevelopment includes modernising the paddling pool and playground and improving the toilets.
The September construction announcement does not give a confirmed reopening date for the family facilities.
More than £22 million awarded for phases four and five
The Department for Transport confirmed more than £22 million of government funding on 6 July 2026, with the council contributing a further £3.9 million.
That funding covers two sections: phase four between the Bandstand and the i360, followed by phase five west of Shelter Hall.
The government’s July announcement scheduled completion of the first section in 2027 and the second by 2029. The council’s latest announcement does not provide a more detailed completion timetable.
A separate £41 million proposal for the next sections
Further east, the council is seeking funding for phases six and seven, covering another 38 arches.
On 17 September, cabinet agreed to include a £4 million council contribution in a Department for Transport bid for a scheme worth approximately £41 million in total. The proposal seeks up to £37 million from government.
The published decision makes clear that including the contribution in the bid is not a legally binding commitment to proceed or spend the money at this stage. It is separate from the funded work now approaching construction.
Building on the earlier seafront works
The first phase of the arches programme rebuilt 26 arches to provide shops and public toilets, with the first businesses opening in summer 2014. The scheme received a Sussex Heritage Trust Award for conservation work.
A further 33 arches were strengthened in phase two. Phase three created Shelter Hall, new lower-promenade toilets, a walkway and a sea wall.
The council will publish further information about access and temporary changes as the next construction phase gets under way.
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