Brighton Council Ditches Historic 'Seafront Blue' Paint Due to Cost

Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) is facing accusations of eroding the city's history after deciding to discontinue the use of 'Brighton Blue,' a distinctive aqua shade that has graced its seafront railings and lampposts for over 100 years. The council has opted for a more economical standard paint color, citing cost as the primary reason for the change.

The custom-made 'Brighton Blue' has been replaced by a shade of RAL light green, chosen as the closest available match. However, this decision has been met with disapproval from some locals who argue that the new color is unsuitable for the city's historic Victorian-era metalwork.

Critics have voiced their concerns on social media, with one resident stating, "More of Brighton and Hove's heritage being sacrificed by this council." Another commented, "The colour is too modern for Victorian railing and lampposts. Typical Brighton Council."

Conversely, some residents have expressed support for the change, prioritizing the maintenance and refreshing of the structures. "It'll look a damn site better than the flaky railings and posts now," one local wrote, suggesting that a more frequent refresh cycle with a standard paint would be beneficial.

Councillor Jacob Allen, the cabinet member for public realm, emphasized that the council's approach to restoring historic elements like lamp columns, bollards, railings, and the Madeira Terrace arches involves careful consideration of heritage. He explained that the new method utilizes a specialist, cost-effective, and long-lasting coating system, rather than standard paint. This system was selected after microscopic paint analysis determined it to be the closest match to the turquoise color used since the 1920s.

Allen further elaborated that the primary goal is not short-term cost reduction, but the application of restoration techniques that ensure the long-term preservation and protection of the city's historic infrastructure. He stated that the new coatings will maintain the cast ironwork in good condition for extended periods, enabling longer maintenance cycles and reducing the need for frequent interventions. This, he suggested, represents a more sustainable maintenance approach that could yield savings over time.

The council forecasts an overspend risk of nearly £20 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year, largely attributed to escalating social care costs, according to a report released in July. The enhanced durability of the new coating system is intended to address these financial pressures.

Allen assured that the matched color is specifically applied to restoration projects like Madeira Terrace and the city's seafront lamp columns, where durability and long-term maintenance are key considerations. He added that in daylight, the new color will closely resemble the turquoise shade used for the past century, and that the terrace's new lighting scheme will alter its appearance after dark. While acknowledging that the color may become more muted over time, he expressed confidence that it is the best possible match achievable.