Madeira Terrace

The restoration of Madeira Terrace in Brighton is
one of the most significant heritage regeneration
projects underway in the UK. The Victorian
cast‑iron structure — an iconic seafront landmark—
has suffered decades of coastal weathering and
required major structural intervention. Phase 1
focuses on the restoration of 28 arches, upper deck
renewal, accessibility improvements, and green wall
reintegration.

The restoration of Madeira Terrace in Brighton is one of the most significant heritage regeneration projects underway in the UK. The Victorian cast‑iron structure – an iconic seafront landmark – has suffered decades of coastal weathering and required major structural intervention. Phase 1 focuses on the restoration of 28 arches, upper deck renewal, accessibility improvements, and green wall reintegration.

Shotcrete Services Ltd (SSL) were engaged to deliver specialised sprayed concrete and soil nailing works essential to stabilising, reinforcing, and re-facing critical structural areas.

WORKING ADJACENT TO THE NEWLY OPENED SEA LANES DEVELOPMENT

The proximity to the busy Sea Lanes swimming and leisure complex required constant coordination with their operational team. SSL planned delivery times, equipment movements, and noisy operations sensitively to avoid disrupting public use and business activities. White noise alarms were fitted to site plant to help minimise disruptions to the businesses and their customers.

PUBLIC INTERFACE WITH THE WORKS

The site sits directly on Brighton’s active seafront promenade. Mackleys and SSL implemented:

• Clear pedestrian management systems
• Robust hoarding and segregation
• Safe working zones around MEWPs and deliveries
• Continuous communication with the main contractor regarding public flow

This ensured public safety while maintaining progress in a live environment.

HIGH‑LEVEL WORKING FROM MEWPS IN A NARROW SITE

The working corridor in front of the arches is extremely limited. SSL undertook:

• Detailed MEWP selection for compact footprints and high level weight capacity
• Specialist operator training
• Constant monitoring of works traffic interface
• Strict safe‑working procedures for overhead operations

PEAK TOURIST SEASON WORKING

Construction took place during peak visitor periods, requiring additional management to maintain safety and minimise disruption. SSL adapted:

-Working hours

-Delivery schedules

-Temporary fencing layouts

-Noise controls

HOT WEATHER WORKING WITH CONCRETE

Summer temperatures along the seafront created challenges for curing and handling sprayed concrete. SSL mitigated risks by:

• Adjusting mix designs
• Using controlled hydration techniques
• Increasing workforce rotation
• Scheduling critical spraying in cooler hours
• Implementing enhanced curing regimes

These measures ensured consistent finish quality despite environmental constraints.

SSL’s work provided the structural reinforcement and high‑quality finishes
required to bring Madeira Terrace back into safe public use. The combination
of sprayed concrete expertise, geotechnical stabilisation and complex site
management contributed significantly to the successful execution of Phase 1.
This project demonstrates SSL’s capability in delivering:
• Specialist sprayed concrete systems
• Soil nailing and structural stabilisation
• High‑risk constrained‑site operations
• Heritage‑sensitive restoration aligned with coastal durability requirements