Brighton’s new developments for 2007

Hundreds of millions of pounds are being invested in the city of Brighton in order to enhance visitors’ experiences of the destination in 2007 and beyond.

Brighton beachfront will play host to the UK’s first permanent beach sports venue from March 2007. Yellowave will accommodate six beach volleyball courts or one international size beach soccer pitch where various sand-based sports can be played including beach volleyball, beach soccer, footvolley, beach rugby and Ultimate Frisbee. It will be a GB Olympic beach volleyball team training base and hopes to become a base for international Olympic teams to practise prior to 2012

The creative force behind the London Eye is due to start construction on a stunning new landmark observation tower on the site of the West Pier in 2007. The elegant, needle thin tower, named ‘Brighton i-360’, will be 183 metres high, taller than Blackpool Tower, The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and The London Eye, and will transport a single donut shaped observation capsule silently up and down the tower every 20 to 30 minutes. Up to 100 passengers inside the capsule will enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across the City of Brighton, the surrounding South Downs and as far as Beachy Head to the East and the Isle of Wight and Hampshire to the West. An illuminated beacon atop the spire will provide further impact at night.

Two futuristic towers based on designs by architect Frank Gehry and are set to take the place of the Kind Alfred Leisure Centre site on Hove seafront. Said to be ‘one of the most stunning and inspiring pieces of architecture in the world’ the complex will be a mix of housing and a modern leisure centre including three pools, gym, spa bath, indoor bowls hall, large sports hall plus a selection of cafes and restaurants.

2007 sees the culmination of the New England Urban Village, transforming 20 acres of central Brighton into a blend of contemporary homes and shops, including two new hotels – the first to be confirmed is a 249 room Jury’s Inn, a college, community centre and public square.

Meanwhile the myhotel group are scheduled to open their third UK property in Brighton’s new Cultural Quarter in 2007. At an investment of £14 million, the hotel was designed by New Yorker Karim Rashid in ‘digi-pop’ style, offering the latest in high-tech comfort and design. Described as “where Freddie Mercury meets Maharishi” rooms will feature central rotating beds and voice activated lighting.

Nick Vowles, marketing manager at VisitBrighton says: “Brighton has always been a centre for development and innovation in the leisure sector, and the council’s plans for 2007 mark the city’s commitment to this progression. Openings like Yellowave and the redeveloped Cultural Quarter will only serve to heighten the range of activities and entertainment on offer to the Brighton visitor. We look forward to a year on year growth in tourism to the city and are set for record visitor levels in 2007.”

The year also celebrates the 200th anniversary of Brighton’s Theatre Royal in June with celebratory events taking place throughout the year and a street party on June 27th.

Details of the new developments for 2007 can be found at VisitBrighton.com.