8th November 2019
In recent years, our seafront has evolved dramatically.
But developments won’t stop with The Brighton Zip, British Airways i360 and seafront landscaping. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of developments - there’s much more to come.
Brighton Council is working with a private investor to deliver huge redevelopments to Black Rock.
Major developments to the eastern side of Brighton’s seafront include:
A world-class conference and events venue in Black Rock. This will include a 10,000 seat arena
Transport links from the venue to the city centre and Brighton train station
A major expansion and improvement of Churchill Square shopping centre which includes views of the seafront
Improved public spaces in the city
The Odeon and Brighton Centre will also be demolished as part of the project.
Located next to Brighton Marina, Black Rock is an area of undeveloped land which used to be home to an Art Deco Lido; this was closed in 1978 and demolished a year later.
In fact, the site has been derelict ever since. The developments will also include improvements to sea defences and much-needed renovations to Madeira Terraces.
In 1993, Black Rock was identified in the Brighton Seafront Development Strategy as a place that, if redeveloped, could rejuvenate the area.
The plan could create 2,000 jobs, whilst boosting spending by £150 million a year in Brighton. What’s more, it could generate up to £4.6 million in tax and rates.
The developments are estimated to cost around £540 million. In February 2017, £12 million of government funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership was awarded to the project. It will be business rates from Churchill Square’s planned extension that will fund the rest
Speaking of the project, former council leader and European Parliamentary candidate Warren Morgan said: “It will put us right back at the top of the table in terms of conference and entertainment venues across Britain.”
An update report will be taken to the council’s Policy & Resources Committee on 5 December 2019. Consequently, a planning application will then be submitted for a planned start on site in spring/summer 2020.
Sources
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/16141524.540m-black-rock-scheme-to-be-signed/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8GOzXck5VI
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/seafront/improving-seafront