Coronavirus: Brighton Amex prepares to become test centre

Pictures show workers putting up temporary structures outside the stadium at the Brighton and Hove Albion football club ground.

Building work took place today at the Amex

Paul Barber, the club’s chief executive and deputy chairman, previously told The Argus the club was in discussion with Brighton and Hove City Council, the NHS and Sussex Police regarding the use of the facilities.

He said: “We will help in any way we can.

“If our facilities are needed, then we are happy to support that."

It is not clear when the site will be open or who will be tested there.

When asked about the work taking place at the Amex, a spokeswoman for the Department for Health and Social Care said: "When new regional testing sites are opening, DHSC will announce them."

Some of the structures being put in place at the Amex

Meanwhile work began today to convert Withdean Stadium into a testing centre, with the car park being closed immediately.

READ MORE > > WORK BEGINS TO CONVERT STADIUM INTO 'TESTING CENTRE' FOR CORONAVIRUS

An Argus source said workers only found out this morning about the conversion and were "pulled off their normal jobs to ‘clear Withdean main car park ready for a testing station’.”

A council crane lorry moved the recycling area from the corner of the main car park down into the overflow car park opposite the Tongdean Lane railway bridge, while a cleansing team waited to use high pressure hoses and disinfectant to clear and deep clean the main car park, the source said.

Brighton and Hove City Council were contacted for a statement but did not respond.

• The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving.org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund.