Your suggestions for Brighton and Hove seafront (From The Argus)

Your suggestions for Brighton and Hove seafront

8:00pm Monday 26th November 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Buy this photo » Brighton and Hove City Council is asking people for their ideas to improve the seafront

A Bruce Forsyth walk, an adult skateboarding area and a dedicated beach for Royalty – these are just some of the ideas put forward to improve a stretch of seafront.

Last week Brighton and Hove City Council agreed to launch a consultation exercise asking people for their views to improve the 13km from Hove Lagoon to Saltdean.

Following a series of features in The Argus last week, dozens of people have submitted their suggestions to make the coast more attractive to those that live, work and visit the city.

Caroline Stephens, of the Sussex branch of Royal Institute of British Architects, suggested a “long wind break” along the promenade to act as a barrier near the seafront cycle lane.

She said: “It would not be continuous – so the openness and views can be retained - nor big and bulky. It will just be a sinuous functional structure that can offer seating, barbecue areas, toilets, shelter, kiosks, anything.

“Every time I visualise this it is west of the planned i360 but it could apply itself in another form further into town. It could be a place to display art.”

Amusing ideas

Among the more amusing ideas received by council bosses include starting an annual Bruce Forsyth walk where everyone strolls down the promenade dressed as the veteran presenter.

One unnamed resident said: “The most important thing is to have an aircraft museum. Everyone loves an aircraft museum. Get a Vulcan bomber in there too. That’s essential.”

Another reader on The Argus website said: “I would get rid of the pebbles - nasty little things that get in every nook and cranny - and also the sea. This would provide more land for housing and retail development.”

Another suggested creating an offshore island, adding “make it look like the one in the Bounty adverts”.

Geoffrey Bowden, the council’s economic development committee chairman, said: “I do not want to impede too much as we want people to come up with ideas.

“It’s amazing, only a few days after the piece first appeared in The Argus, how many people have sent me views.”

The draft strategy seeks “to develop the unique character areas of the iconic Brighton and Hove seafront to create attractive, sustainable, high quality environments for residents, businesses and visitors throughout the year”.

A council spokeswoman said the official consultation with further details will be set up in the next month.

Ideas can be submitted to SeafrontStrategy@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

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