The government has backed Brighton’s beaches with a major £22 million investment to replace Victorian arches at risk of collapse on the seafront.

Dozens of Victorian-era arches supporting King’s Road on Brighton’s seafront are in “urgent need of replacement”, said the government.

The road along the south coast connects 22,000 drivers and 1,500 cyclists to Brighton Pier, Brighton Beach and the i360 observation tower each day.

According to the plans, the renovation will make the road stable for the next 100 years and create new spaces for local cafes, bars and galleries.

Brighton and Hove Council have contributed £3.9 million towards the project, alongside the government investment made available in the 2025 Spending Review.

An additional £26 million has also been set aside over the next four years to help Brighton and Hove City Council fix potholes on roads in the area.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “This funding means we can strengthen the Victorian-era arches so they can support the road, pavement and cycle lane on one of the city’s busiest routes for another 100 years.

“But we’ll also be able to create a better home for local businesses in this vibrant space on the seafront and, working with local communities, look at options for a new and improved King’s Road paddling pool area.”

The first phase of the project between the bandstand and i360 should be completed in 2027, with the second in the area west of Shelter Hall scheduled to finish by 2029.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, added: “Brighton is home to a whole host of attractions, from its iconic beach and legendary pier to the fantastic local businesses dotted across the nearby lanes.

“This funding will mean that everyone can continue to enjoy all of these for the next 120 years by revamping the Victorian arches that dozens of businesses along the seafront call home – boosting growth across Brighton.”

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