Update on the Royal Albion fire

We’re continuing to support our partners in responding to the fire at the Royal Albion Hotel on Brighton seafront.

While the fire has now been brought under control, the building has suffered significant damage.

As a result, the A259 will remain closed for at least the next 72 hours, during which time activity will be ongoing to make the location safe.

This timeframe may be extended, as partners work hard to reduce the footprint of the site safely.

We’re asking people to continue to avoid the area and keep windows closed in nearby buildings.

If nearby residents displaced by the fire need advice on accommodation, please get in touch with our housing team by emailing housing.advice@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 294 400 (option 1).

Demolition and public safety

Our Building Control Team are on site and contractors will begin the demolition of the damaged section of the building as soon as possible. We’re anticipating the demolition will take 2 to 3 weeks.

The demolition is to help the fire service’s access to the site, as parts of the building are no longer structurally safe.

UKPower Networks and Southern Gas networks are on scene to ensure that that all electrical and gas are isolated and made safe prior to any work progressing.

Asbestos is known to be in the textured ceiling coatings used in the building but there is unlikely to be any significant risk of exposure to asbestos following this fire.

The area around the hotel has been cordoned off and our on-site contractor will continually assess the risk

Unfortunately, the properties directly behind the Albion Hotel will remain inaccessible due to the risk of falling debris during the demolition process. Anyone affected by this is able to contact our housing team for advice and support.

We are grateful to residents and visitors for their ongoing patience and understanding.

Heartfelt thanks

Council Leader, Councillor Bella Sankey said: “I want to give my heartfelt thanks to emergency services and everyone else who supported the response to the awful fire at the historic Royal Albion Hotel over the weekend.

“Sadly, the building has suffered significant damage and we’ll need to keep the roads closed while it’s made safe.

“We’re asking everyone to continue following advice from emergency services and to please keep away from the area.

“We’re sorry for the ongoing disruption – thank you for bearing with us while the area is made safe.”

For the latest updates on the incident, visit the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service website.