Discuss what you think of the seafront

The city’s Seafront Development Board is thinking about the future opportunities for our seafront and they are inviting you to join them for a discussion about how you use it and what you’d like to see from it.

You’re invited to join chair Lord Bassam and vice chair Councillor Taylor, as well as other members of the board for a chat about the seafront and an opportunity to share your views on its future.

It’s a chance to hear more about the current and planned development projects and activities on the seafront, share opportunities and hopes as well as input into a vision for what it could be in years to come.

• Saturday 31 January
• Brighton Centre, Skyline Room
• 1.30pm to 3pm

It’s free to attend and an informal session, but please book online so we know how many people to expect. You’ll find more information and can book through Brighton & Hove City Council’s Your Voice digital engagement site.

Steve Bassam, the Rt Hon Lord Bassam of Brighton chairs the seafront development board, he said: “I want our future seafront to reflect the best of Brighton & Hove and the people that make the city what it is. The vibrancy, diversity and eccentricity, but also its welcoming nature.

“The seafront development board is here to help facilitate that change but we can’t lead that alone. We need to hear representation from the people that use the seafront and live, work or visit the city. We want to know how you use it, why you love it and what else would you like to see.

“This is about making the most of opportunities and creating spaces that work for everyone, while protecting our unique heritage and coastline for generations to come.”

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader and vice chair of the board, said: “Our seafront is constantly evolving, and residents and visitors must be a key part of shaping that.

“We’ve seen the opening of Hove Beach Park, as well as the Reading Room and Temple at Black Rock – and they are transforming the way residents and visitors use our seafront for the better.

“Ahead of us we have the reinstatement of the Madeira Terrace arches, the crucial coastal protection work to the groynes in Hove and the transformation of the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

“But we need to look at opportunities and possibilities that are further ahead.

“This engagement session isn’t a one-off event, but the start of an ongoing conversation between the Seafront Development Board and you. Our plan is to regularly engage with you both face to face and online.

“Your feedback will help shape the future of our seafront, and we’ll continue to work together to make sure we have a seafront we are all proud of and part of.”

Georgia Collard-Watson, Associate Principal at Grimshaw and member of the Seafront Development Board, said: “Whether you’re spending time with friends and family, part of the local business community, getting active, enjoying the cultural celebrations or simply watching the sunset, the seafront needs to work for all of us - from the day into the evening, all year round.

“We want to hear how you use it, or what's stopping you, which places matter to you, and how you’d like to use it in the future. Your insight is essential to helping us understand what the seafront means to people across the city.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing your ideas and exploring how we can work together to create a world-class seafront that is resilient, inclusive and inspiring for generations to come.”

Following the engagement session the conversation will be opened up more widely and people will be able to start sharing views online in a survey.