Restoring our seafront lighting to its former glory

A project to restore the city’s heritage seafront lighting back to its former glory will enter an exciting new phase this spring.

The first five columns will be removed and sent away for repair and restoration. In all, we’ll be restoring more than 80 Grade II listed lampposts that have been damaged by decades of exposure to the harsh weather conditions and salty air.

We’ve been working closely with Historic England to ensure the columns, brackets and lanterns are restored in a way that preserves their historic look and feel. It has approved our plan of action, which includes using original designs, manufacturing techniques and, where possible, materials.

Removing the first five, which will be placed back in their exact locations, will give us the basis for the rest of the project.

The cost of the project is being covered by the council’s Carbon Neutral Fund, as well as capital funding and money remaining from a project to install LED lights in the city’s streetlighting. In total, the project is expected to cost in the region of £4 million and will take several years to complete.

Picture: Example of one of the lamp columns to be refurbished

What the restoration involves

We’re working with industry experts to restore the columns in a way that will prevent further weathering in future as far as possible.

Each column has been individually logged so that, once restoration is complete, they’ll be placed back in their original location.

Once a column has been removed, Cast Iron Welding Services will be:

• transporting these delicate assets to its foundry restoration facility
• carefully removing the many layers of lead-based paint and disposing of it in a safe and legally compliant manner
• Disassembling and inspecting the columns and then repairing any fractures, corrosion or other damage
• Applying a new exterior coating/paint to protect the columns

Meanwhile, new replacement lamps will be made by CU Phosco, who:

• will respect the historical significance and design of the original manufacturer, blending tradition with efficiency and cost savings.
• Have carried out rigorous testing, including salt spraying the materials, to ensure they will stand up to the harsh seafront environment.
• will install the latest energy efficient LED lighting, including replicating the current colour temperature and brightness of the original lanterns.

The lampposts are Grade II-listed, which means they have architectural and historic significance. Listed building consent has been granted for their removal and repair off-site before they are reinstated.

Tom Foxall, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The historic lampposts along the seafront, with their decorative twin pendant lantern lights, are an iconic feature of the promenade and a reminder of Brighton & Hove’s heyday as a Victorian seaside resort. However, many are in poor condition due to corrosion from the sea air.

“We have worked in partnership with a specialist metal conservator and Brighton & Hove City Council to identify the best way to restore the lamps, preserving as much of the original materials as possible.

“I’m delighted that the pilot project to restore five columns of different styles and condition is now underway, which will inform how the rest of the columns will be restored. It’s vital that we protect and appreciate our seaside heritage.”

Find out more about the heritage lighting project

Picture: The historic look of our seafront lighting

Preserving the city’s history

Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “I’m really excited to see this work getting started. Our seafront lighting is synonymous with Brighton & Hove and part of the city’s long and celebrated history.

“It’s vital these columns are restored in a way that respects and honours our heritage, which is why we’re working with industry experts and Historic England to get their stamp of approval.

“This investment means we can ensure our seafront remains a safe and popular destination for the millions of people who visit our city and for everyone who lives and works here.”