Brighton and Hove City Council has confirmed plans to redevelop the former swimming pool location at Black Rock for sporting and recreational purposes over the coming five years.
The council’s cabinet convened at Hove Town Hall on Thursday 15 October and gave approval for the project, with padel courts identified as the leading option for the site.
Deputy leader Jacob Taylor indicated that the authority remained committed to securing a partner organisation to establish a major art gallery at the location in the future.
Taylor stated that the vision for Black Rock centre involves creating a cultural venue of national or international significance.
He noted that Brighton ranks among the country’s leading creative cities, with numerous artists residing locally, an established annual festival, and notable architecture and artwork being produced within the city.
However, he observed that Brighton currently lacks a major visual arts gallery, which he described as unusual given the city’s cultural profile.
Taylor emphasised that discussions were ongoing with national funders, government representatives, and major cultural institutions regarding the long-term ambition for a major gallery, and that a phased approach would be necessary to achieve this goal.
The interim arrangement spanning up to five years would deliver sport and leisure facilities while attracting visitors to that section of the seafront, generating rental income for the council in the process.
One preferred bidder has put forward a proposal for a temporary active leisure and sports facility encompassing padel courts, fitness amenities, a mental health programme, and food and beverage services.
This proposal would not require additional financial commitment from the council.
An alternative bid includes a public beach hub and events space with food and drink provisions.
David McGregor, who represents Whitehawk and Marina on the council, noted that residents in the eastern part of the city had expressed feelings of neglect during engagement with local households.
As cabinet member responsible for the economy, culture, heritage and tourism, McGregor stated that efforts had been made to address this perception and pointed to the revitalised eastern seafront as evidence of progress.
He indicated that delivering an art gallery at Black Rock would symbolise the council’s commitment to the entire city rather than focusing solely on the central area.
Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports, recreation and libraries, mentioned that he had heard numerous proposals for Black Rock during his 16 years as a councillor, having been born in the city.
Robins expressed the view that more had been accomplished in four years than in the preceding two decades, citing the Black Rock development alongside projects such as the King Alfred as examples of progress.
Approximately £18 million has been directed towards Black Rock regeneration by successive administrations.
Expenditure has covered utility diversions, sea wall realignment and extension, enhanced coastal defences, an 800-metre boardwalk along the beach, and improved pedestrian and cycling links to Brighton Marina.
Additional works in the vicinity have included the initial phase of Madeira Terraces restoration, the renovation and leasing of the Reading Room and Temple building, and improvements to Volks Railway’s Black Rock Station.
The financial specifics and identities of the two businesses associated with the temporary use proposal remain confidential.