Issue - items at meetings - Draft Seafront Strategy

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached)

(1)       That Members approve the vision, themes and character areas of the emerging Seafront Strategy.

(2)       That Members approve a consultation process on the draft Seafront Strategy which will inform a final Strategy to be considered by the Policy & Resources Committee.

41.1    The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place setting out the Draft Seafront Strategy. Large scale coloured maps indicating the different sections of the Seafront were displayed at the meeting.

41.2    It was recognised that the seafront was of vital importance to the economy of the city as a foal point which attracted both residents and visitors in large numbers. They were drawn to the Seafront to enjoy the wide range of sporting and leisure opportunities that were available. In addition, the Seafront was a major attraction for the city and played a significant role in attracting business visitors to conferences and events. Notwithstanding the economic difficulties currently being experienced across the country as a whole, the Seafront was still attracting investment. Regular enquiries into development possibilities on the Seafront meant that it was important that there was clarity on the availability and suitability of such options through an emerging seafront strategy. Such a strategy would also be beneficial as it would be of assistance when applying for external funding and when allocating developer contributions.

41.3    Councillor Brown welcomed the report and the approach being adopted which recognised the distinctive character of different sections of the Seafront. Councillor Smith concurred in that view commending the report which highlighted the improvements that had been effected to date and also highlighted areas which could be focused on for the future, including gaps in continuity which needed to be addressed.

41.4    Councillor Janio also welcomed the report stating that it was important to be adventurous and when planning future development it was also important that Brighton and Hove seafronts were treated equally in order to avoid a Brighton/Hove divide.

41.5    Councillor C Theobald stated that any improvements to or developments which would encourage greater use of the Volks Railway would also be welcomed.

41.6    Councillor Fitch stated that there would always be challenges in maintaining and revitalising the Seafront. However, huge improvements had been made since the 1990’s and there was no reason to think they would not continue if the right approach was adopted.

41.7    Councillor Morgan commended the contribution which had been made by Alan Randall of Yellow Wave in helping to commence Re-invigoration of the Peter Pan’s Playground area and was in agreement that a systematic approach and a pro-active strategy were appropriate.

41.8    Councillor Littman stated that production of the strategy was timely, and looked forward to further update reports in the future.

41.9    RESOLVED - (1) That Members approve the vision, themes and character areas of the emerging Seafront Strategy; and.

            (2) That Members approve a consultation process on the draft Seafront Strategy which will inform a final Strategy to be considered by the Policy & Resources Committee.