Agenda item - Issues Raised by Members

To consider the following matters raised by Members:

(a)             Written Questions:

To consider any written questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 7 August 2024.

49.1    A copy of the questions received was circulated ahead of the meeting. Responses provided are as follows.

(1)           Councillor Shanks:

What attempts has the council made to obtain private finance including sponsorship for Madeira terraces for this or future works? 

Councillor Taylor: 

Thank you for your question, Councillor Shanks. It is worth remembering that there was a successful Crowd Funding Campaign in 2017 that has contributed over £460,000 to the first phase of the project. I want to take the opportunity to reiterate our thanks to the campaign group involved in driving that effort.  The council has also explored a range of other options, some of which are related to private sector interest in the Terrace. We are continuing to review funding options and the strategy for future phases, including potential for sponsorship and the involvement of private finance. Any strategy would need to be compliant with guidance from Historic England and ensure that public access to the Terrace is maintained. However, I would also like to add that we are serious about seeking a long-term solution to restoring and maintaining this important and iconic city asset. 

(2)           Councillor Shanks:

Will the next phase of development be re-examined, including consultation across the city for alternative ideas for the remaining arches, including from the private sector, before continuing on what may be an un-sustainable path? 

Councillor Taylor: 

The short answer is yes. Indeed, I’d like to take this opportunity to put an initial call out to the city, to funders, and indeed the private sector – please send us your ideas on the future phases on the restoration. It is anticipated that the ‘proof of concept’ restoration of the initial 28 arches provided by the first phase of the project will enable successful funding and grant applications for the next phases. However, the council acknowledges that a sustainable plan for the whole terrace limited to public funding is likely to be challenging and is therefore looking to engage with the wider city to identify potential ‘Brighton friendly’ options for future phases of the restoration, including those involving private sector funding and partners.