Brighton replaces seafront blue paint with cheaper green protective coating
Brighton & Hove City Council is replacing the custom-made “Brighton Blue” used on seafront railings, bollards and lampposts with a cheaper, standard light-green coating. The change has prompted criticism from residents who say the shade is part of the city’s heritage and the replacement looks wrong; others support it if it helps keep the metalwork in better condition.
The council says the new protective coating was selected after microscopic analysis and is the closest available match to the turquoise used on Madeira Terrace since the 1920s. It says the system should last longer, extend maintenance intervals and help preserve historic cast-iron structures, with the colour expected to look muted over time. The council has also reported an almost £20 million overspend risk for 2026-27, largely linked to rising social care costs.
In short
- Brighton is replacing its century-old seafront blue with a cheaper coating.
- Residents are divided over the change and its impact on local heritage.
- The council says the durable finish will help protect historic ironwork.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping Brighton Blue preserves a distinctive part of the seafront’s visual identity and heritage, which residents may reasonably see as worth the extra cost of custom paint. A change that looks noticeably different risks weakening that sense of place, even if the council expects the new coating to fade towards a closer match over time.
The case against
The council’s choice can be defended as a practical way to protect historic metalwork for longer and reduce how often it needs maintenance, while using a coating identified through analysis of the historic colour. With substantial pressure on the council’s budget, residents may also reasonably support avoiding the extra expense of bespoke paint, provided the structures remain well preserved.
Explained simply
Brighton’s seafront has railings, bollards and lampposts painted in a distinctive blue, often called “Brighton Blue”. The colour is associated with the city’s coastal appearance, while many of the metal structures are historic and need regular protection from weather and rust.
The council maintains this public metalwork and must balance preservation with the cost and frequency of repairs. Its choice of coating has drawn different views: some residents see the blue as part of Brighton’s heritage, while others prioritise keeping the structures in good condition.
The issue also comes as the council faces financial pressure, including rising costs for adult and children’s social care. That makes the price and expected lifespan of maintenance work relevant to how the council manages its wider budget.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Brighton council accused of ‘wiping away history’ after scrapping seafront blue paint used on railings and lampposts after more than 100 years – because it costs too much”.