A senior local politician suggested that Brighton and Hove might possess one of the most impressive coastal promenades in the nation within a decade.
The Labour deputy leader Jacob Taylor from Brighton and Hove City Council voiced this opinion during a discussion about the authority’s proposal to develop a prospectus via its Seafront Development Board.
The board includes three elected members – Julie Cattell, Birgit Miller and Councillor Taylor – alongside nine additional individuals possessing expertise in leisure, retail and property development.
The prospectus would outline a vision for the seafront and identify locations for development to draw investment from private companies as well as cultural organisations and public sector bodies.
Following a public consultation attended by 100 residents at the Brighton Centre, the council released a questionnaire asking participants about their current usage of the seafront.
The survey seeks information about required improvements and the ambitious projects residents hope to see realised.
At the council’s place overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday (March 24), Councillor Taylor expressed his view that the seafront ranked among the better ones nationally.
He noted that various elements could combine to potentially deliver the most spectacular seafront in England within ten years, possessing characteristics and attractions that would set it apart from other locations.
He observed that the long-abandoned Black Rock site was primed for redevelopment. Prior to this, the vacant area had been scheduled to accommodate the No Fit State Circus during the Brighton Festival and the World Cup fan zone during summer.
Community works representative Mark Strong raised concerns about Brighton Marina, noting that national and international chains had shuttered their outlets there.
Since Las Iguanas ceased trading in July 2020, additional brands to have closed more recently included the Rendezvous Casino, Pizza Hut and, the previous month, Five Guys.
Mr Strong observed that the Marina had become quite desolate, with only another multinational retailer – Asda – remaining as a shop.
He noted that from a Chamber of Commerce perspective, the preference was to focus on independent businesses and maintain money within a circular economy rather than relying on multinational corporations.
The council’s director of place Max Woodford explained that while the council owned the freehold, there were leaseholders who held positions on the Seafront Development Board.
He noted that these parties were closely following the board’s activities, the developments planned for Black Rock and the Madeira Terraces – the broader effort to draw visitors along the seafront and better connect the Marina to it.
He observed that currently, the seafront appears to end and the Marina functions almost as an isolated structure that people access by car rather than on foot, which was clearly undesirable.
Labour councillor Birgit Miller, the council’s cabinet member responsible for culture, heritage and tourism, indicated that the Marina was collaborating with the council and was delaying its own proposals until there was clearer direction regarding Black Rock.
She noted that their primary concern had been avoiding duplication of council efforts and instead seeking to complement the work being undertaken.
She observed that both the Marina and the council were aware that this should not become a declining part of the city or a boundary area. They had developed some compelling proposals and needed clarity on how these aligned with Black Rock plans, suggesting this could ultimately become a genuinely exciting district of the city.
Conservative councillor Anne Meadows questioned whether the redevelopments and enhancements would be freely accessible to all residents rather than paid-entry attractions.
She expressed concern that such facilities might primarily serve wealthier residents, potentially representing commercial exploitation rather than community benefit.
Councillor Taylor responded that the seafront itself functioned largely as a free attraction and would continue to do so, though paid attractions would also continue to exist alongside it.
Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Mark Earthey, representing Rottingdean and West Saltdean, highlighted that the undercliff path made a substantial contribution to active travel.
However, there was an ongoing challenge with gravel and shingle deposited by storms covering the route, with volunteers using shovels and wheelbarrows to clear it.
Councillor Earthey inquired whether the council would consider investing in equipment to maintain the undercliff as part of the seafront improvement programme.
Councillor Taylor indicated that larger development schemes were unlikely for the area east of the Marina, though smaller sports facilities and cafes might become viable.
The consultation – titled Tell Us What You Think of the Seafront – remains open until Thursday, April 30 on the council website.