A project aimed at improving a section of Brighton seafront, known as the Kingsway to the Sea scheme, has been affected by significant cost increases. The original plans included the construction of a park, cafe, and sports facilities. However, rising construction costs and shortages of materials and labor have created a funding gap of £3.9m.
Initial funding of £12.99m was approved, with £9.5m provided by the Government’s Levelling Up fund. To address the funding gap, project officers and partners are working to identify cost reductions while minimizing the impact on the project. This may involve removing certain features from the plans, and the proposed changes will be reviewed by the Strategy, Finance & City Regeneration Committee.
Bella Sankey, Council Leader and Chair of the Committee, acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and material shortages. The council aims to prioritize features based on feedback from the community and residents who have been actively involved in the project. The public has been encouraged to provide their input on which facilities are most important to them by emailing KingswaytotheSea@brighton-hove.gov.uk before June 30.
Adaptations have already been made to reduce costs, including reducing the site area and scaling down the size of the sports hub. Additionally, demolition materials will be repurposed in the project.
