Agenda item - Brighton City Hall Proposal

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (copy attached).

1)           That the Board endorse both the Brighton City Hall proposal and the proposed expansion of the City Ambassador role, to include sector representation and business leaders from across the City Region.

2)           That the Board task the Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (‘the Officer Programme Board’) to further explore and develop the opportunities presented by the Brighton City Hall proposal for the City Region, aligned to the worked currently underway to develop Greater Brighton’s strategic approach to Inward Investment & Trade.

37.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that summarised the emerging opportunities for a Brighton City Hall proposal in supporting business growth, promoting trade and attracting inward investment and requested endorsement for the proposal and the proposed expansion of the City Ambassador role.

37.2      Andrew Swayne welcomed the proposals but cautioned that the limits of what was a listed building would represent a challenge.

37.3      Councillor Parkin stated his support for the proposals noting that further consideration would be required for how delegates reached the Town Hall as there was significant traffic issues in the surrounding area, particularly at weekends.

37.4      Prof Humphries welcomed the proposals adding that the location was ideal in representing the Greater Brighton region.  Prof Humphris added that detailed co-ordination would be needed with all partners in relation to meeting delegates.

37.5      Councillor Smith asked if any investigation on footfall in the area and a business case for the investment required in improving a semi-redundant building had been undertaken.

37.6      Nick Hibberd replied that initial work had been undertaken including soft market testing that had received positive feedback. There was also a business case relating to capital investment considering how grant funding could be achieved and potential for borrowing against future revenue streams to enable renovation work.

37.7      Councillor Theobald stated his agreement that the term ‘City Ambassador’ be used instead of Alderman as the latter was an antiquated title and not relevant to the proposed role. Councillor Theobald added that he believed the proposed City Ambassador should have a business or university background from within the Greater Brighton area.

37.8      Prof Humphris stated that a lot could be learned from how Manchester had developed the role of its Town Hall.

37.9      Dean Orgill stated that the proposals had been discussed by the Brighton Economic Partnership and had received unanimous support. There was a need for good quality office and meeting space in the area and the Town Hall would be a valuable focal point.

37.10   RESOLVED-

1)           That the Board endorse both the Brighton City Hall proposal and the proposed expansion of the City Ambassador role, to include sector representation and business leaders from across the City Region.

2)           That the Board task the Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (‘the Officer Programme Board’) to further explore and develop the opportunities presented by the Brighton City Hall proposal for the City Region, aligned to the worked currently underway to develop Greater Brighton’s strategic approach to Inward Investment & Trade.