During last year’s Pride celebrations the Brighton Centre was opened as an emergency drop-in space, as the station got overcrowded and people in need required an emergency refuge.
Messages spread online in recent days suggested that Brighton Centre would reopen for Pride in 2019, but Brighton and Hove Council announced that this information is inaccurate. The Brighton Centre and other public buildings will only act as shelters should there be an emergency.
Those in need of a refuge, including intoxicated people and those lost from friends who need support, are welcomed to Safe Space Brighton, located outside St Paul’s Church in West Street.
A spokesperson for the council said:
We want everyone to have a safe and happy Pride. But please make sure you have made arrangements for accommodation in the city or have a way to travel home at the end of the event.
You should only go to the Brighton Centre if you are directed to do so by a member of event security or Sussex Police.
Anyone who comes to the Brighton Centre without specific instruction to do so will be turned away.
Safe Space is open every Fridays and Saturdays and will be open during this year’s Pride celebrations. You can find more information about Safe Space on their website.
Featured image: Phil Parsons on Flickr
