This article examines the origins of the Brighton Centre, which holds the distinction of being the biggest venue of its kind for conferences and exhibitions across the entire southern region of England.

The structure on King’s Road underwent construction between 1975 and 1976 and welcomed its first visitors on 19 September 1977.

Architectural firm Russell Diplock and Associates created the design, which embodies the Brutalist aesthetic.

Since its inauguration, the facility has served as a venue for live musical performances and remains under the ownership and management of Brighton and Hove City Council.

Numerous celebrity acts have graced the stage throughout its operational history.

Among those who have performed there are Queen, The Who, Duran Duran, Stevie Wonder and Phil Collins.

American entertainer Bing Crosby made his last appearance at the venue on 10 October 1977, passing away from a heart attack four days after the performance.

Resort director Tony Hewison, who was instrumental in maximising the potential of the Brighton Centre for the benefit of the town, appears in photographs wearing a construction helmet at the site.

He passed away in 1984 and is commemorated through a Brighton and Hove bus that bears his name.

Entertainer Charlie Drake also appears alongside him in the photographs.

The venue frequently serves as a location for conferences held by British political parties and can seat as many as 5,000 attendees.

On 11 September 2001, while Tony Blair was finalising his address to the gathered Trades Union Congress at the Brighton Centre, he received news of the attacks on the World Trade Center.

At one stage, schemes existed to demolish the structure as part of the council’s urban development strategy, which would have involved constructing an expansion to the Churchill Square shopping centre in its place.