Seafront Development Board announced

We’re pleased to announce the 12 members set to be appointed to our Seafront Development Board.

Chaired by Lord Bassam of Brighton, the new board will help to shape a vision and encourage investment in the city’s iconic seafront.

Board members will advise on the development, regeneration and management of the seafront, as well as help to unlock opportunities for development, investment and community engagement.

This means it’s crucial the board includes individuals from a range of backgrounds and sectors, with complementary skills, relevant experience and the commitment to lead transformation of the seafront.

In February, the council started a search for volunteers to join an independent Seafront Development Board to help shape a long-term vision and encourage investment in our seafront.

There was a fantastic response. More than 90 people applied to be part of the board, leading to a rigorous and competitive selection process.

The new board will bring together accomplished private-sector professionals from a range of sectors including business, development, broadcasting, tourism and urban design. And despite representing different sectors, groups, interests or agendas, they will all be ambassadors for the seafront, championing development and promoting its best interests.

They will bring their knowledge, skills and experience, as well their influence, to find development or funding opportunities and use their individual connections to represent new voices and share progress of the board.

Board members

Following approval of the board, terms of reference and appointment of the chair and vice-chair at Cabinet, the newly appointed Brighton & Hove Seafront Development Board members are:

• Lord Steve Bassam of Brighton, Representative of the House of Lords (Chair)
• Cllr Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and Cabinet member for Finance and City Regeneration (Vice Chair)
• Georgia Collard-Watson, principal associate architect, Grimshaw Global
• Carolyn Jikiemi-Roberts, director at Hot Yoga South Brighton
• Alastair Hignell CBE, former England rugby international, BBC presenter and charity patron
• Alma Howell MSc, MRTPI, Historic England
• Simon Lambor, director, Matsim Group
• Juliet Sargeant, award-winning garden designer and author
• Rob Sloper, senior development director, Landsec U+I
• Pete Tyler, retired travel executive
• Cllr Julie Cattell, lead councillor for Major Projects, Brighton & Hove City Council
• Cllr Birgit Miller, Cabinet member, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Brighton & Hove City Council 

While it’s important that the board consider the seafront as a whole, the early focus will be on the area between the Palace Pier and the Marina.

They must look at options for the future of Black Rock, securing investment for the next phases of the Madeira Terrace restoration and seafront maintenance work. They will also consider the infrastructure around it, making connections with businesses and other developments and learning from other seafront towns and cities.

Steve Bassam, the Rt Hon Lord Bassam of Brighton, brings his extensive experience in local government and national regeneration policy, to the board as chair.

Lord Bassam said: “Brighton & Hove seafront is our shop window. It’s vital to our identity, economy, quality of life and global recognition.

“To secure the city’s future as a leading international visitor destination, we need to think differently, work in a new way and consider all ideas to grow economic opportunities and improve the offer to visitors.

“I’d like to see us encourage more business, showcase fantastic arts and culture and enable sport and leisure opportunities.

“The passion, talent and commitment of the individuals who applied to be part of the board was incredible. It was really tough to narrow it down, but I’m proud of the mix of talented individuals who will be coming with me on this journey.

“The board is an exciting opportunity for us to look across the whole seafront in a cohesive way.

“Together we will help drive forward a plan for the seafront to ensure it’s a vibrant, accessible and economically thriving destination for residents, visitors and businesses for years to come.”

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Finance and City Regeneration, said: “We want a seafront we can be proud of, but the council can’t bring that vision to life on our own. That’s where the Seafront Development Board comes in, to facilitate change, encourage investment and represent voices from across the city and beyond.

“The council has moved forward some fantastic projects in recent years, including the work at Black Rock, Madeira Terrace and Hove Beach Park, as well as what’s set to come for the King Alfred.

“The board needs to look across the entirety of the seafront – from Saltdean to Portslade – to consider how the seafront is connected and ensure it provides exciting opportunities and the right offer.

“It’s been a privilege to receive such a huge interest from local residents and business in being part of this. The strength and number of applications was impressive and the skills, experience and commitment the applications have showcased are what really sets this city apart from others.

“I want to thank everyone who applied and I know those who have not been appointed will be disappointed, but I hope they will still be part of transforming our beloved seafront with us.”

New board member Simon Lambor, director of Matsim Group, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to the board. We have been investing in the city for over 40 years now and in more recent years this has focused on some of the important heritage assets.

“It is only by bringing the local community on board with these projects that you can ensure that they progress smoothly and in the right direction. We would hope that our experience in dealing with the consents for the Brighton Hippodrome will assist in this endeavour.”

At the council’s July Cabinet meeting, councillors are being asked to agree to the establishment of the board and the terms of reference as well as the appointment of Rt Hon Lord Bassam as chair and Councillor Jacob Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration, as vice-chair. Read more details in the Cabinet report.

The first meeting will take place this autumn and more information about the board and its work will be shared through the council’s channels.