The Ever-Changing Brighton & Hove Skyline: Is Bohemia Dead?

There is something big going on in the city of Brighton & Hove, yet no one seems to understand exactly what it is or what it is doing here. We are continually told that it is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, but Brighton residents seem to be unaware exactly what it will bring to the city and there are concerns exactly what the benefits are for the famously diverse south coast seaside resort.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersg/19754696283

It cannot be denied that over the centuries Brighton has developed somewhat of a reputation for building extravagant landmarks. We have the Price Regent’s lavish Royal Pavilion, and before that, the West Pier, one of three piers to have existed in the city, was certainly seen as a decadent luxury when it was built in 1866. Now it represents something of a location guide for both us Brightonians and tourists alike, representing both the coolness and quirkiness of our unique city.

I am yet to encounter a local who has not expressed some kind of reservation regarding the 162-metre i360 observation tower. When it was first announced, I was somewhat excited and happy that once again Brighton was deemed suitable for such an impressive landmark. However, now that I have had a chance to get used it, I have been left with feelings of heightened uncertainty.

The real tragedy of this is not the questionable funding method (the developers have been loaned much of the cash by the city council), but the blighting of our iconic seafront. The beautiful residential area of Regency Square now faces belittlement by the i360 and its unspoilt view of the West Pier will be forever consigned to history.

It remains to be seen exactly who will benefit from the construction of the i360 and quite how anyone will benefit from a phallic symbol encircled by a doughnut shaped pod remains to be seen. One thing is certain though, if this is the path the powers-that-be in Brighton are thinking of taking us down, we will soon have a reputation as something of a crass and garish city as opposed to our current bohemian and quirky image.

As more and more time passes, I cannot help but feel a sense of disillusion with the city of my childhood. On one hand it appears that the city is leading the way in innovation and is one of the UK’s foremost digital and technology hubs, being dubbed ‘Silicon Beach’. 

This has led to the steady growth of the digital sector in the city over the last 10-15 years, which now accounts for 15% off all employment in Brighton & Hove. This has in turn given rise to an influx of young-people intent on furthering their digital marketing careers, as well as those interested in working in Brighton web development or other related areas. They have been lured to the city looking to take advantage of that famously slower-paced lifestyle in comparison to the capital.

However, it appears that rather than build on this ever-growing reputation, the council are more interested in turning the city into a tacky tourist-trap that is further dogged by pollution and congestion. Perhaps mine is something of an over-reaction and the i360 will become something of a symbol for the Brighton digital revolution. It is hard to imagine though, and it has certainly changed the appearance of Brighton seafront forever.

The Council’s justification for the construction of the landmark and its funding, was mainly based around the estimated 800,000 people visiting the city each year in order to experience the i360. This appears to be more than slightly optimistic, especially as the numbers observed coming to the city for a ride on the Brighton Wheel were considerably less than the Council’s projected figures.

Only time will truly tell just how successful the i360 will be, but it cannot be denied that Brighton will be changed forever once it is opened. I for one cannot believe that a walk along the promenade will ever be the same again; is there really a contest between watching flocks of starlings dive bombing around the wrought iron remains of the old West Pier, and a tacky totem tower dominating the skyline?