The Royal Albion Hotel on Brighton Seafront has suffered significant damage due to a recent fire, prompting the Brighton and Hove Council to take immediate action in response to the incident. Although the fire has been brought under control, the council, in collaboration with various partners, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the area and its residents.
To facilitate ongoing safety measures, the A259 road, which runs adjacent to the hotel, will remain closed for a minimum of 72 hours. Council officials have emphasised that the closure may be extended as experts work diligently to reduce the footprint of the site without compromising safety.
For those residents directly affected by the fire and in need of assistance with accommodation, the council’s housing team is ready to provide support. Individuals can reach out to the team by emailing housing.advice@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 294 400 (option 1).
In terms of ensuring public safety, the council’s Building Control Team is currently present at the site. Contractors will commence the demolition of the damaged section of the Royal Albion Hotel as soon as possible, a process expected to last between 2 to 3 weeks. This demolition is necessary to facilitate access for the fire service, as certain parts of the building are no longer structurally stable.
To further enhance safety measures, UKPower Networks and Southern Gas Networks are on-site to isolate and secure all electrical and gas connections. Although the presence of asbestos in the building’s textured ceiling coatings has been confirmed, authorities have stated that there is unlikely to be any significant risk of exposure to asbestos following the fire. Nonetheless, the area surrounding the hotel has been cordoned off, and the on-site contractor will continuously evaluate the potential risks.
Regrettably, properties situated directly behind the Royal Albion Hotel will remain inaccessible due to the possibility of falling debris during the demolition process. Individuals affected by this situation are encouraged to contact the council’s housing team for advice and support.
Council Leader, Councillor Bella Sankey, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services and all those involved in responding to the devastating fire at the historic Royal Albion Hotel. She acknowledged the significant damage to the building and emphasized the necessity of keeping the roads closed until the area is deemed safe. Councillor Sankey extended her appreciation to residents and visitors for their continued patience and understanding throughout this challenging situation.
