THE economic value of Brighton and Hove Albion moving to The Amex Stadium has been estimated at £38 million.

Seagulls Executive Director Martin Perry told a packed business meeting of the massive contribution the football club is making to the local economy.

He praised the original foresight of Brighton and Hove City Council for helping the club create the stadium, which has now become one of the city’s economic powerhouses.

Mr Perry also underlined the economic power of positive private-public sector partnerships.

He said: "Moving to the Amex was a ten-year process and was a great example of how private-public sector partnerships can succeed.

"Since our move, we have created 1,000 full time equivalent jobs, contributed £38 million to the local economy and entertained three million spectators in the first five years.

"It’s estimated that last year’s Rugby World Cup games at the Amex alone generated £46m for the city."

Mr Perry also praised the support of Adur District Council in bringing the vision of the club’s training ground to life in Lancing.

He said: "Adur Council immediately recognised the economic and social benefits of the training centre at Lancing and made it a strategic priority.

"Today it is home to all our teams – from academy and women’s teams through to the first team – and is a community resource used by 83 local clubs and 33 schools.

"It has created 100 full time equivalent jobs and added £3 million to the local economy.”

Mr Perry was talking at a meeting of The Sussex Property Alliance, a club for people who work in the property business.

He spoke of the collaborative approach of Adur Council, which it is hoped will result in a mixed commercial and residential development on land adjacent to the training centre providing jobs and housing.

He said: "Together, we are working on a scheme that will create employment, 600 homes, a country park and infrastructure improvements.

"This type of positive partnership activity creates value for the council, the community and helps to drive the football club forward as we target a place in the Premier League."