Owners of a historic seafront hotel gutted by fire have yet to pay a penny for its demolition, more than a year after the devastating blaze. The shell of the Royal Albion on Brighton seafront has been empty and rotting since the inferno on July 15, 2023. Brighton and Hove City Council organised demolition to start on the fire-damaged part of the building soon after that date - but The Argus can reveal that hotel owner Britannia is still yet to pay anything towards it.
Britannia has never responded to any of The Argus’s requests for answers about the future of the Grade II listed building. Now the council’s finance lead has called on the company to speed up the repayment process and commit to rebuilding the site in a way which respects its rich Regency heritage. Smoke billowing from the hotel fire (Image: Eddie Mitchell) According to the council, the cost of the demolition has so far risen to more than £1.
7 million – up from £1.5 million six months ago. To date, Britannia's contribution is zero.
Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy council leader and lead member for finance, said: “It’s disappointing that they haven’t been more public in how awful it is and how it has affected residents. “I think it is sad and shocking to see it when you pass it – currently it is a blight on the seafront and the city centre. “It’s such a central location and it has such an impact on people passing by.
“I haven’t seen them really show that they understand the importance of .
