The first restored heritage lanterns and columns have now been reinstalled along Brighton & Hove’s iconic seafront, marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing restoration programme.
Located near the Palace Pier and along Madeira Drive, the Grade II listed columns have been carefully repaired, restored and returned to their original positions following decades of exposure to the harsh coastal environment.
CU Phosco has played a key role in the project, manufacturing new heritage-style lanterns designed to preserve the original architectural character of Brighton’s historic seafront lighting while delivering the performance, reliability and efficiency expected from modern lighting technology.
The project forms part of Brighton & Hove City Council’s wider programme to restore and protect important elements of the city’s seafront heritage.
COMBINING HERITAGE WITH MODERN ENGINEERING
Working alongside restoration specialists Cast Iron Welding Services (CIWS), CU Phosco developed bespoke lanterns using original designs and historically sympathetic detailing approved by Historic England.
While maintaining the appearance of the original lanterns, the new designs incorporate modern engineering and LED technology to improve durability, reduce maintenance requirements and enhance long-term performance in Brighton’s demanding marine environment.
Extensive testing, including salt spray assessments, was carried out during development to ensure the lanterns could withstand long-term coastal exposure.
The LED optical package was carefully specified to replicate the original colour temperature and night-time character of the historic seafront lighting while delivering the performance and longevity required for a modern coastal installation.
SUPPORTING THE RESTORATION OF AN ICONIC SEAFRONT
The reinstatement of the first columns represents the latest stage in a project CU Phosco has supported from the early design and public consultation phases.
In 2025, prototype lanterns manufactured by CU Phosco were displayed publicly at Brighton’s Jubilee Library, allowing residents and stakeholders to view the proposed designs before production began.
Now installed on the seafront, the finished lanterns once again form part of Brighton’s recognisable skyline, helping preserve the character and identity of one of the UK’s most well-known coastal destinations.
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council, said:
“It’s great to see this iconic lighting back in all its glory - the column feels brand new and the brackets and lanterns look absolutely stunning. The craftsmanship and expertise should be applauded.
“This is such an important project for restoring and renewing the heritage of our fabulous seafront. The columns, lanterns and brackets are part of the city. Whether silhouetted behind the setting sun or lighting up a darker evening, they’ll remain a feature of our skyline for years to come.”
Matt Murray, Sales Director at CU Phosco, added:
“This project has been about far more than replacing lighting. It has been about respecting Brighton’s heritage while ensuring these historic features can continue to perform for decades to come.
“Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council, Historic England and the wider project team, we have been able to combine traditional design principles with modern lighting engineering to carefully recreate the character of the original lanterns while improving durability, efficiency and long-term performance for the seafront environment.
“Seeing the first restored columns and lanterns back in position on the seafront is a fantastic milestone for everyone involved.”
Further restored columns are expected to be reinstalled along the seafront in the coming weeks as the pilot programme progresses.
For more information about CU Phosco’s heritage and decorative lighting solutions, visit: CU Phosco Heritage Lighting