Modern art gallery could be opened at Black Rock in Brighton

Black Rock is among locations identified in Brighton and Hove City Council’s blueprint for the seafront's future development.

The seafront prospectus was created by the Seafront Development Board - an expert taskforce of industry and community leaders – and builds upon major schemes already underway across the city's coastline.

Development would come in two stages, initially focusing on short-term use such as creating pop-up venues, outdoor spaces and community events.

The second stage will deliver longer-term transformation, with the potential for a landmark destination.

Brighton and Hove City Council seafront prospectus (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

The council said this could include a major cultural or commercial building, such as an art gallery - with the council in talks with a major international modern art gallery in London.

Among contenders is Tate Modern, which has the Tate Britain and Tate Modern in London, plus Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives in Cornwall.

The work will be funded separately on a standalone basis, through government funding, philanthropy and an operator for the Black Rock gallery should it be built.

The city council, including council leaders Jacob Taylor and Bella Sankey, and Lord Bassam, head of the development board, have been in discussions with a government minister and it is understood the government is positive about the project.

The council noted how ongoing work on the eastern seafront has helped to create a more attractive destination.

It said: “Black Rock presents a distinctive opportunity for investors to deliver real place-making on Brighton’s eastern seafront. Extensive enabling work by the council, including moving the sea wall to expand the site and improving access to Brighton Marina, has helped de-risk the site and unlock its potential.

“The refurbishment of the historic Temple and Reading Room, and the new seafront boardwalk are creating a more active, attractive destination. Their connection to the restoration of Madeira Terrace only strengthens the case for further cultural, commercial and leisure investment.”

The plans were revealed in the council’s prospectus which was released today, June 5.

Other key destinations included in the plans are Brighton Marina, Pool Valley, King Alfred Leisure Centre and Madeira Terrace.