And we want to celebrate them. The Freedom of the City is the highest civic honour that we can be bestow on a resident. It honours service and contributions that have had an impact on the city and its residents.
When we took over the running of the council two years ago we realised that the process for nominating individuals for Freedom of the City was opaque, and in Brighton and Hove it had only ever once been awarded to a woman. So I’m pleased to announce that we’ve agreed a new process whereby nominations for the honour are invited from members of the public. Nominations are now open and the deadline is Sunday 19th October. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to celebrate those who go above and beyond for our city. We want to hear from residents about the people who inspire them and the unsung heroes who make a real difference. If you know of someone that you think would be a worthy winner then please check out the eligibility criteria and think about nominating them.
This week we’ve been getting on with the work of delivering for the city. The Government has confirmed that our devolution deal for Sussex and Brighton will see a new investment of £1.4 billion into our region over the next 30 years. £38 million guaranteed each year as a seed investment fund for the new Strategic Mayoral Authority which will be established in May next year, money we would not otherwise have available.
Last week our Labour Government also confirmed a new investment of £20 million into Whitehawk over the next 10 years: Pride In Place funding that local residents will have a role in allocating. This is a hugely welcome commitment from Government which will see a sizeable investment of funds. Crucially, the Government has committed to learn the lessons from the past and ensure that the local community will shape how the money is spent rather than have projects and initiatives imposed on them.
And we’re taking some important steps forward to improve our welcome and pride in place across the City. I’m really pleased that this month the Temple on Kemp Town beach is now refurbished and reopened. As part of our regeneration of Black Rock the Temple is particularly important with a unique history and character. Local coffee shop owner Philip Cundell has taken on the lease. Food and drink can now be enjoyed throughout the day on the paved terrace overlooking the sea. Where possible, Philip is using local and small-scale suppliers including Brighton-based Red Roaster coffee and Sussex-based milk, ice cream, snack and soft drinks suppliers, boosting our local economy.
Work is also starting next week to remove the wooden benches that are at the end of their life on New Road. This is part of wider plans to improve safety, accessibility and the overall look and feel of the area. New Road is a busy route linking the city’s shopping areas with some of the key cultural destinations including the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Dome and Theatre Royal. It’s home to numerous cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as being the focal point for festivals and events. The council is working with city partners including the police, businesses, community and health partners to explore opportunities for transforming the look and use of the space as a way to ensure the area is a safe, accessible and welcoming public space. This could include markets, street installations or more commercial activations. This will pave the way for real transformation as the Royal Pavilion Garden begins to be restored to its regency splendour from the end of next year.
And the Mayor, Cllr Amanda Grimshaw, opened a new visitor information hub at the Brighton i360 last Saturday providing a one-stop shop for all things Brighton & Hove. The hub will be a welcome information point for the thousands of visitors who arrive in our city each year, keen to explore our many attractions and plan their visit. From where to stay and eat, finding out what’s on at the clubs and theatres, to advice on how to travel around the city, the hub will provide a vital service for visitors while benefitting the many city businesses which rely on tourism. The new visitor information hub is a partnership between The Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance, Culture Calling and Brighton i360, with support from Visit Brighton. It will open daily inside in the gift shop area of the Brighton i360 on the lower beach level, between 10.30am and 5pm.
Bella Sankey is the Labour Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council
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