IT is the largest conference and exhibition centre of its kind in the south of England.

Situated on Brighton seafront, the Brighton Centre was built between 1975 and 1976 and opened on September 19, 1977.

It has also been used as a live music venue since it was opened and is owned and operated by Brighton and Hove City Council.

It was designed in a Brutalist style by architects Russell Diplock and Associates.

Today’s Timeout photos document its construction.

The construction site is pictured here in 1975.

Tony Hewison, the resort director who ensured the Brighton Centre was used to the best advantage of Brighton, is pictured in a hard hat onsite.

He died in 1984 and is remembered through a Brighton and Hove Bus which is named after him.

Charlie Drake is also pictured standing with him.

Tony is pictured here again on a site inspection with Jack Bell and John Glanfield.

The aerial view of Brighton Centre site was captured on July 8, 1975.

A photo of the site of the proposed pedestrian bridge to the new Brighton Centre is pictured here in 1976.

Brighton Centre is pictured under construction in 1976, though it looks to be nearing completion.

The venue is regularly used for British political party conferences, and has the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 people.

It has been proposed that the building is knocked down as part of the council’s city plan to make way for an extension to the Churchill Square shopping centre.

To see more of our fantastic pictures from yesteryear go to theargus.co.uk/photoarchive.