Royal Albion Hotel Owners Speak Out on Long-Awaited Rebuild Plans

The owners of Brighton’s fire-damaged Royal Albion Hotel have finally spoken publicly about the future of the landmark building, as pressure mounts from the council and residents to bring the seafront site back into use.

The historic hotel, located at the junction of Old Steine and Kings Road, was badly damaged by a major fire in July 2023. Parts of the structure were later demolished for safety reasons, leaving a prominent and highly visible gap along Brighton’s seafront.

Brighton & Hove City Council has repeatedly urged the owners to move forward with clear redevelopment proposals, citing concerns about public safety, visual impact and the prolonged disruption caused by the derelict site. The council has described the building as a priority due to its location and historical importance.
In response, the owners have said they are continuing to assess options for rebuilding the hotel and are working through the complex planning and heritage issues involved. Parts of the Royal Albion are Grade II* listed, meaning any redevelopment must carefully balance restoration with modern construction standards.

They have acknowledged public frustration at the lack of visible progress but say the scale of the damage and the listed status of the building have made the process more challenging and time-consuming than first anticipated.

The future of the site has sparked strong debate locally. Some residents and campaigners want to see the hotel faithfully restored to reflect its Regency heritage, while others believe the corner should be redeveloped with a more modern design that still respects Brighton’s architectural character.

Local businesses have also expressed concern that the unfinished site is harming the area’s appearance and affecting footfall along one of the city’s busiest tourist routes.

Any formal rebuild plans will need to be submitted to the council and will likely involve public consultation before a final decision is made. Until then, the fate of one of Brighton’s oldest and most recognisable hotels remains uncertain.

For many in the city, there is growing hope that clear plans — and a firm timetable — will soon emerge to restore the Royal Albion’s place on Brighton’s iconic seafront.