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Brighton Toy & Model Museum

Transforming the entrance to Brighton Toy and Model Museum

April 19, 2026

Michael Olden

Concept and aims

Brighton Toy and Model Museum was looking to significantly improve the Trafalgar Street underpass which forms one of the main access routes to Brighton Railway Station.

The Museum is situated in the underpass which was dark, neglected and a target for antisocial behaviour. The concept was to regenerate the area including cleaning the Grade 2* listed walls, adding additional external lighting, CCTV cameras, and a new entrance with new signage to the Museum comprising a large, glazed shopfront reminiscent of the 1930s. The aim was to significantly improve the environment in the underpass and increase the visibility of the Museum.

What happened

Working with Brighton Toy & Model Museum Sussex Downs CRP was able to assist with a successful CRDF application.

Results

The money has helped transformed the entrance to the museum reducing anti-social behaviour and increasing the museums visibility. A new glass and timber framed entrance, a CCTV system to combat anti-social behaviour, lighting to illuminate the arches and walls, plus, powder coated aluminium lettering with the Museum’s name on the outside wall. With additional funding from the Railway Heritage Trust this grant has given the station underpass and museum long overdue makeover.

Impact

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Developed stronger links between the museum and the Sussex Downs CRP Marked a significant improvement in the environment around the entrance to the museum and to the North Lanes.
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Reduced anti-social behaviour in the immediate area
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Marked a significant improvement in the environment around the entrance to the museum and to the North Lanes.
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The completed works have raised the profile of the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.

“The top of Trafalgar Street is one of the main gateways into North Laine and it hasn’t looked its best for a long time. The regeneration project isn’t just good for the museum but also for the wider community”.

Museum General Manager Jan Etchings
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