Restoration work of part of Madeira Terrace remains on schedule, despite a delay to the start of repairs.

Work to restore 40 of the 151 crumbling iron arches had been due to start in the autumn after falling into a state of disrepair over many years.

However, Brighton and Hove City Council announced earlier this month that work to consider “which approach offers the best value for money” will take place, with work now set to start next spring.

Detailed assessments of the condition of the Victorian cast iron balustrades, the terrace’s foundations and soil conditions below the deck feeding the Green Wall have taken place, with a contractor set to be appointed in the coming months.

Work on dismantling the arches for restoration will then begin next spring.

The Argus: An artist's impression of what the completed Madeira Terrace restoration will look likeAn artist's impression of what the completed Madeira Terrace restoration will look like

Councillor Julie Cattell, lead on major projects, said: “Preparatory works at Madeira Terrace have already begun and are ongoing.

“This is a really important project for the city and I’m looking forward to getting on site to see the progress being made.

“We will soon be looking for the right contractor with the skills required to deliver high-quality restoration work.

“When the contractor has been appointed, they will produce a programme for the works needed to restore the structure.

“The construction sector remains volatile and with an unusual project such as this one it is important that we take the time to get the best outcome for this important stage of works.

“This will be agreed when they are appointed in the autumn.”

A Conservative motion being put to councillors at a meeting next week will call on the Labour administration to apologise to residents for delaying the restoration of “one of the jewels in the crown of Brighton’s heritage”, as well as acknowledge that “postponing the work will lead to increased costs and put the restoration in jeopardy”.

However, Labour has said that the project to restore arches along the seafront road remains on schedule, but that time is being taken to fully understand all of the ground conditions as a way of managing the costs.

Cllr Cattell said: “This was always the plan. Knowledge reduces risk, and we cannot afford to take financial risk at the moment when this and other projects across the city have been impacted by rising costs in materials and the cost of living crisis.

“The work will be carried out to the timetable and in a cost-effective and safe manner.

“We will continue with our programme of public updates in the press and social media and reports on the progress and funding of this important project to the relevant council committees.”

The announcement of a delay to the start of restoration work had caused an uproar among campaigners, with one describing the move as “maybe the last straw for Madeira Terrace”.

He said: “The correlation is clear - more delays means further degradations, which leads to increased costs.

“This council cost-cutting exercise could be anything but.”