28 Sep 2018
Developers reveal proposal to revitalise Victorian beachfront
BY Andrew Manns
Following years of decline, an area of Victorian seafront architecture in Brighton UK, could be restored as part of an urban regeneration project.
Dubbed the People’s Promenade, the project – spearheaded by placemaking firm Boxpark and design studio Chalk Architecture – would see the Grade II-listed Madeira Terrace and archway in Brighton UK transformed into a destination.
Boxpark and Chalk have outlined their desire to see Madeira Drive return to its former glory. The companies’ proposal, which was developed in collaboration with Building Design Partnership (BDP), involves expanding the run-down esplanade to provide space for a new hotel, restaurants and retail.
Drawing inspiration from Piet Oudolf, the landscape designer who worked on the High-Line in New York City, the team has plans to adorn Madeira Terrace with wild gardens and green walls.
Speaking about the project, Roger Wade, founder and CEO of Boxpark said: “Our proposal aims to redevelop this much-loved area to create a year-round retail and leisure destination to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the coast alike.
"We’re looking forward to the opportunity to work with Brighton & Hove City Council, local stakeholders and businesses to explore how we create a world-class development, while retaining the architecture and heritage with which our seafront is synonymous.”
However, despite having been engaged in talks, the council has yet to endorsed the regeneration plan.
In August, Cllr Daniel Yates said council members had "not issued calls for proposals”. On 10 September, however, the council via its online portal announced it was “committed to finding alternative sources of funding for the project”, adding that a decision could be made by December this year.
Constructed in 1890, the Madeira Terrace has been named by the Victorian Society as one of the top ten Victorian structures in England and Wales.
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