Results of structure tests boost heritage-first ambitions for Madeira Terrace

Our heritage-first approach to restoring Madeira Terrace has been boosted by the results of recent cast iron structural testing.

The restoration work, which began on site in November 2024, is one of the most ambitious and technical engineering projects we've undertaken.

We're keen to reuse as much of the existing material as possible, including the cast iron and soil, and repairing rather than replacing the retaining wall.

The aim for restoration that’s as authentic as possible also helps limit the scheme’s environmental impact by prioritising repair and reuse of the cast iron over recasting.

Testing at specialist foundry

Earlier this year, sections of the cast iron structure, which were removed as part of the first phase of restoration, were sent to a specialist foundry for testing and repair. The testing is to prove that the structural cast iron can be successfully repaired and reused.

Following a first round of tests that were inconclusive, additional testing of the cast iron components was required. The team behind the project has now confirmed the latest data from the testing demonstrates that the original structural cast iron can be reused.

While this testing has taken slightly longer than initially planned, the results have been welcomed by both the council and the recently established Seafront Development Board, the independent body charged with providing insight and guidance to the council as we look to continue the revitalisation of the seafront.

Repair and reuse century-old cast iron

The results will allow us to confidently repair and reuse much of the century-old cast iron structure during the initial phase of restoration.

The environmental savings of repair compared to casting new replacements are significant. The casting of iron generates about 8 tonnes of CO₂ emissions for every tonne of cast iron created, whereas repair is expected to generate less than an eighth of this. 

Across the whole structure, this would be equivalent to the carbon cost of powering over 2,000 homes for a year, based on average UK household emissions.

Lift steels arrive on site

There was more good news on site this week, with the arrival of the first sections of lift steels, which will form part of a new, fully accessible lift providing people with easy access from the pavement on Marine Parade to Madeira Drive.

Once finished, the lift will be a key part of the opening stage of restoration and provide people with much needed access to the seafront and the growing number of businesses on Madeira Drive.

Most of the steels for the lift will have arrived on site by Christmas, meaning residents will be able to see visible progress on the lift structure.

Incredibly technical restoration

Councillor Jacob Taylor, our Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and City Regeneration, said: “We know people are understandably eager to see the first phase of Madeira Terrace completed and open to the public to enjoy; this is an incredibly technical restoration which will take time and require patience.

“We’re determined to reuse as much of the structure as we can – to restore rather than replace. We know it is what many of our funders expect from the project and is also central to our commitment to being heritage-led in this first phase. 

“The structure is more than 100 years old, so repairing and restoring is not without its challenges and there may be times, such as with our recent cast iron testing, where this approach takes slightly longer. Taking time and care to lovingly restore this beautiful and iconic structure is the right thing to do.”

Excitement building around the project

Lord Bassam, who chairs the Seafront Development Board, agreed. He said: “Madeira Terrace has the potential to once again be the jewel in the crown of this city’s seafront and it is fantastic to see the first phase of its restoration progressing.

“It is absolutely appropriate that every effort is taken to restore this amazing structure. 

“I’m looking forward to the first sections of repaired cast iron being put back in place and for residents and visitors to see this ambitious restoration really starting to take shape.

“With the lift steels arriving on site, there is a real excitement building around the project’s progress.”