Agenda item - Chairs Communications

It has been an exceptionally busy year so far for our Culture Tourism and Sport department, with exciting developments bringing positive impacts to the city.

Our Visit Brighton team have been working with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Brilliant Brighton to dress the city blue and white in celebration of the Albion’s place in the UEFA Europa League.  The city will look resplendent with blue and white bunting and shop windows dressed to support the team. Prominent buildings including the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier and the Brighton Centre will be lit blue on match nights to show their support.

During 2023 we have hosted a record number of outdoor events in the city, more than 40% increase on pre-pandemic levels. We have completed the Host City process for World Rugby Cup 2025, confirming the city as a key location for at least 2 international games. And we have increased filming activity in the city by 100%.

Brighton and Hove Pride is a key event for the City calendar and an important celebration of the diverse communities and cultures of the City. A full review is now taking place with the intention of bringing a report to a future CHSTE committee.  Brighton and Hove City Council remain fully committed to Pride and the celebration of all LGBTQ+ communities in the City.

Progress continues to be made with our Sports Facilities Investment Plan, including projects for new Astro turf pitches, Padel Tennis and a children’s soft play at Withdean Sports Complex, due for completion in 2024.

Work to create a new seafront park re-commenced on Monday this week, beginning with the groundworks for an outside sports building.? Earlier this summer, work on the £13.7m Levelling Up funded Kingsway to the Sea project was paused, to ensure that the project could be delivered within budget. This work was successfully completed and early construction work of the outdoor sports hub has now started.? The next stage of the scheme will commence in Autumn with the wheeled sports area.

The Exhale grants programme awardedthree local artists with funding totalling £46,000. This is to lead exciting new arts projects responding to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in the city. The Exhale programme is aimed at supporting anti-racist practice in the arts and providing opportunities for black and racially-minoritised artists.

Working with our partners Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, we submitted an application to National Lottery Heritage Fund for £4.6 million to redevelop a jewel in our city centre, the Royal Pavilion Gardens. The outcome of this funding application will be known in December.

Restoration of the iconic Saltdean Lido building is nearing completion. The building is set to open in early 2024 with a new library, five community rooms for hire, shared workspace, a gym, a café and a restaurant offer in the magnificently restored ballroom.