Save Madeira Terrace campaign hits fundraising target

The community has rallied round and the crowdfunder to save the Madeira Terraces has reached its target, reaching £466,074 this afternoon (November 29).
Hopes are high to restore the Madeira Terraces to their former gloryHopes are high to restore the Madeira Terraces to their former glory
Hopes are high to restore the Madeira Terraces to their former glory

The campaign, which had until tomorrow (November 30) to reach its target of £421,053, was launched to kickstart the regeneration of the crumbling structure east of the Palace Pier, and the funds raised by 2,162 backers will go towards renovating three of the 154 arches.

It is hoped the campaign will help attract external funders, to demonstrate there is a local support for restoring the Terraces.

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A raffle organised by residents Jax Atkins, Rebecca Bunker and Derek Wright to raise funds for the campaign brought in £16,700 to the total, and residents also led a clean up event of the Terraces during the campaign.

The dilapidated Madeira Terraces (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)The dilapidated Madeira Terraces (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)
The dilapidated Madeira Terraces (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

A £50,000 donation by the developers of the neighbouring Aquarium Terraces, Brighton Seafront Regeneration and Soho House, meant the campaign jumped the final hurdle.

Nick Jones, founder and CEO of Soho House, said: "Helping with the Save Madeira Terrace fund was important for Brighton Seafront Regeneration and Soho House, as part of the future of the seafront.

"Over the last year we’ve been getting to know the local community. We’re looking forward to seeing the area returned to its former glory, with the iconic arches restored, so we can create something for the people of Brighton."

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There have been large donations by Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton Marina developers Brunswick developments, Preston Barracks and Circus Street developers U+I, and The Regency Society.

Residents led a clean up of the Madeira Terraces during the crowdfunding campaignResidents led a clean up of the Madeira Terraces during the crowdfunding campaign
Residents led a clean up of the Madeira Terraces during the crowdfunding campaign

There have also been contributions from local celebrities such as Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) and Steve Coogan, and of course, hundreds of the city's residents.

Council leader Warren Morgan, who initiated the crowdfunding campaign, said: “The suggestion to crowdfund came from residents following the rejection of the bid for a government grant earlier this year. It was an ambitious idea and a step into the unknown, but the option to do nothing wasn’t something we were prepared to do.

“Together, with the city’s residents, businesses, VisitBrighton and heritage organisations we’ve taken the first and crucial step in saving a valued part of our local heritage.

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“I will not stop praising Jax Atkins and her team of local volunteers, all the artists, shops, small traders and others who donated prizes, everyone who bought raffle tickets and the shops that sold them, raising an incredible £16,700+. This incredible backing from the community and businesses means we are in a much better position to submit our Heritage Lottery Fund bid, which we will initiate tomorrow.

The Victorian Terraces are in need of restoration (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)The Victorian Terraces are in need of restoration (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)
The Victorian Terraces are in need of restoration (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

“I want to say a huge thanks to all the companies which responded to our request to donate, and to the 2000 residents, visitors and people who love Brighton & Hove and made individual donations. It’s been a tense but exciting four month campaign but we’ve done it!”

Niraj Dattani, Head of Partnerships, at the council’s crowdfunding partner Spacehive added: “The Save Madeira Terrace campaign has been the biggest campaign we’ve ever seen and it has been fantastic to see how it’s brought the city together. With over 2100 backers and many more raffle tickets bought by the public, the campaign has generated civic pride on a huge scale.

“This enthusiasm has been matched by Brighton's business community, who have pledged tens of thousands of pounds to the campaign. The campaign also demonstrates the council’s pioneering approach to engaging with and delivering for its communities.

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“The Madeira Terrace campaign shows what's possible when everyone comes together to improve the city. Brighton is full of creativity and passion, and working with everyone involved has been amazing.”

To find out more, visit: www.savemadeiraterrace.org

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