The Brighton Paradox: RENEWAL

The Brighton Paradox

In this episode, Renewal, we explore how Brighton is navigating the tension between decline and the potential for renewal. As the city grapples with a range of challenges, from the closure of iconic businesses to the need for better infrastructure, contributors share their thoughts on how Brighton can rebuild its social, economic, and cultural identity. Key themes include the importance of collaboration, the tech sector’s role in revitalisation, and the intersection of arts and community renewal.

Key questions:

• What role does leadership play in Brighton & Hove’s renewal?
• How can Brighton’s tech and creative sectors adapt to the loss of key institutions?
• What’s the balance between grassroots renewal and corporate growth?
• Is Brighton’s physical decline an indicator of broader systemic issues?
• What lessons can Brighton learn from other cities?

Featured contributors:

1. Paul Doran – Tech marketing specialist Paul discusses the current economic challenges facing Brighton, sharing ideas about the city's lack of cohesive strategy and the need for leadership to drive meaningful change.

2. Flo Powell –Co-Director, Midnight Communications Flo reflects on the visible decline of Brighton’s city centre and the increasing safety concerns in once-thriving areas. She shares personal anecdotes about the effects of the pandemic and the city’s ongoing struggle with anti-social behaviour.

   • Website: Midnight Communications

3. Gavin Stewart – Executive Director, Brighton Business Improvement District (BID) Gavin highlights the role of the BID in revitalising Brighton’s city centre, focusing on efforts to improve cleanliness, reduce graffiti, and create a more vibrant and welcoming environment.

   • LinkedIn: Gavin Stewart

4. Susuana Amoah – ONCA Gallery Susuana reflects on the decline of Brighton’s arts scene, particularly the loss of galleries and cultural spaces. She discusses how financial pressures have forced the repurposing of these spaces, and the impact on the city’s identity as an arts hub.

   • LinkedIn: Susuana Amoah

5. Alex Morrison – Founder, CoggAp & Former Chair of Wired Sussex Alex discusses the closure of Wired Sussex and the significant implications this has for Brighton’s tech sector, particularly in terms of collaboration, education, and community inclusion.

   • LinkedIn: Alex Morrison

6. Rosie McColl – Headteacher, Brighton Girls Rosie shares insights into the partnership between Brighton Girls and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, which promotes inclusivity in sports, particularly for young girls across the city.

   • Website: Brighton Girls

7. Vicki Hughes – Managing Director, Fugu PR Vicki discusses the broader impact of Brighton & Hove Albion’s success on the local economy, emphasising the club’s role in fostering pride and attracting investment.

   • Website: Fugu PR

8. Lord Steve Bassam – Labour Peer and Former Leader of Brighton & Hove Council Lord Bassam shares his vision for Brighton’s renewal, focusing on the role of sports and cultural institutions in driving economic growth and improving the city’s global profile.

   • Website: House of Lords

9. Cllr Bella Sankey – Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council Bella outlines her administration’s priorities for economic and social renewal in Brighton, emphasising infrastructure improvements and efforts to bring women’s football back to the city.

   • Website: Brighton & Hove City Council

10. Cllr Ty Goddard – Lead Councillor for Economic Development Ty discusses plans for revitalising Brighton’s infrastructure, including efforts to improve the city’s appearance and engage local businesses in the renewal process.

    • Website: Brighton & Hove City Council

Key Topics Covered:

• Economic challenges and the closure of key businesses: Contributors discuss the impact of losing institutions like Wired Sussex and The Body Shop, and how this reflects broader issues in Brighton’s economy.

• Tech sector renewal: The role of Brighton’s tech industry in driving economic growth is explored, alongside concerns about the loss of community-focused initiatives and educational outreach due to Wired Sussex’s closure.

• The state of the city’s physical appearance: The visible decline of Brighton’s city centre is a key focus, with calls for better maintenance and cleanliness. The importance of creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors is emphasised.

• Arts and cultural decline: The closure of galleries and art spaces is a major concern, with discussions on how the arts community can adapt and seek alternative funding models to survive in a post-pandemic landscape.

• The role of sports in renewal: Brighton & Hove Albion’s success is highlighted as a symbol of the city’s potential for renewal. The club’s economic impact and its efforts to promote inclusivity through women’s football are explored.

Credits:

This is an always possible podcast: alwayspossible.podcastpage.io/

In collaboration with Lo Fi Arts: linkedin.com/company/lo-fi-arts/

Supported by Brighton & Hove Albion FC: brightonandhovealbion.com

Project partners:

• EQ Investors: eqinvestors.co.uk
• University of Brighton's Help to Grow Management programme: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/business-services/help-to-grow.aspx
• Midnight Communications: https://www.midnight.co.uk

Written and presented by: Richard Freeman Produced and edited by: Chris Thorpe Tracey Project support by: Kate Regester and the always possible team Podcast artwork by: Meg Fenn

Original music by:

• Fatboy Slim: fatboyslim.net
• Theme music: "Nadda" by Noraay: noraay.com
• Chris Thorpe Tracey: christt.bandcamp.com

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