Council announces plans for works at Black Rock

Following consultation in November BHCC have submitted a planning application for a package of works at Black Rock, including the renovation of the much-loved Grade II Old Reading Room and Temple as part of the creation of a new activity hub, that will functionally serve the temporary site to encourage use and activity, and also form part of the longer-term rejuvenation of the area.

The proposed plans include getting the site ready for future redevelopment by the expansion of the site with a new realigned free-standing sea wall structure, serving to improve sea defences through an enhanced design based upon the latest flood risk projections.

The plans propose improvements to access for pedestrians and cyclists to the Black Rock site including enhanced means of access to the Marina, beach, Undercliff Walk, Kemp Town Slopes and Madeira Drive in the short term.

Long term benefits include infrastructure improvements for Duke’s Mound at its junctions with Marine Parade and Marine Drive with the potential for a bus routes.

Within the application there are plans for ecological enhancement through the clearance of shrub, replanting and landscaping within the Kemp Town Slopes (Dukes Mound)  and the creation of an accessible beach boardwalk from Duke’s Mound to Black Rock.

There will also be the planting and relocating of vegetated shingle from the Local Wildlife Site to create an ecology trail along the beach to the west.

The proposed replacement ecological area will result in a biodiversity net gain supporting the council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

In November 2019, there was a two all-day drop-in consultation event held in Kemp Town and Brighton Marina.

225 people attended these events and 68 written responses have been received as well as verbal feedback at the events with overall support for the project.

The feedback has also resulted in the inclusion of a temporary BMX ‘pump track’ encouraging residents to try different sport activities in the city, which was suggested as part of the consultation process in the proposed plans.

Councillor Nancy Platts, Leader of the Council said: “I’d like to thank residents for the excellent level of engagement on this project and I’m glad we’ve been able to incorporate ideas like the temporary ‘pump track’ into our proposals.

“The plans being put forward for Black Rock are a great example of the council’s work to revitalise our seafront.

“I know a lot of people living in the east of the city are passionate about seeing this area rejuvenated. I am really excited by these plans and hope others are too.”

If you would like to read more about the proposed plans you can find it in the planning application section on the BHCC website and entering the planning application reference BH2020/00442.

The proposed plans are subject to the planning process so should be considered provisional until approved. A decision on the proposals are expected in early June