Bandstand to be restored by 2009

Work is expected to start on the bandstand in September

Permission has been granted for an £850,000 restoration of Brighton's derelict seafront bandstand.

Brighton and Hove council will fund the project to return the 1884 Grade II listed landmark to its former glory.

Work on the Victorian bandstand, known as the "birdcage" because of its domed roof and elaborate latticed arches, is expected to finish early next year.

The ground floor and basement of the building will be changed from public toilets into a restaurant or café.

The top part of the bandstand will be used to stage concerts and other events, and a bridge connecting the bandstand with the promenade will be reinstated.

'Iconic image'

The first phase of the restoration is likely to begin in September.

A spokesperson for Brighton-based DRP Architects, who will lead the project, said they would create an "architecturally accurate reconstruction" of the bandstand.

The café or restaurant will be rented out to help fund the ongoing preservation of the building.

Giles Ing, from DRP, said: "The Brighton bandstand is an architecturally, culturally and historically significant building, but has stood derelict for over 30 years.

"Now, with planning permission and funding secured, we will see this wonderful Victorian structure - and iconic image of Brighton - take pride of place once again on the city's seafront."

Environment councillor Geoffrey Theobald said: "Our planning officers demanded the highest possible standards, and we were very impressed with the application submitted by DRP, which included a state of the art three-dimensional survey."