City Debates High Rise Business District

Brighton and Hove could develop an American style ‘downtown’ business district, changing the face of the city with an area of high rise office buildings, green spaces, parking and a state of the art business infrastructure, and sited perhaps by the Marina, the King Alfred site, the Lewes Road or even Falmer. This is a controversial vision which will be proposed and hotly disputed next Wednesday, October 13, at the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce Debate, ‘Does Brighton Need a Business District?’, to be held at City College, Brighton.

The debate is part of the Chamber of Commerce week celebrating ‘Business by the Sea’ and is also the first in a series of regular debates to be held around the city on local issues and strategies.

Speaking in favour of a dedicated business district will be Oliver Asha, head of the Commercial Property Department at city law firm Acumen Business Law. Opposing the idea will be Pete Jenkins who runs the hosted software specialist e-Advantage Solutions and is Chamber vice-president. In traditional debating style, following the initial proposition and opposition, the subject will be thrown open to the floor of the room for speeches for and against ... though, in a typically Brightonian way, the voting process will be anything but traditional. All will be clear on the night.

Chairing the debate will be Rob Shepherd, of the press release agency Press Dispensary, who says: “Brighton is becoming a remarkable business city, weathering the financial crisis well, coming out of it early and forging a world-class reputation in the online, creative and gaming industries. So there’s a powerful argument in favour of a world-class, dedicated business district to match. But on the other hand, perhaps the city owes its success to its bohemian, low-rise quirkiness which could be destroyed by an American style downtown. It’s going to be a fascinating debate.”

Julia Chanteray, president of the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce and an entrepreneur who helps other businesses develop, through her company The Joy of Business, said: “I can’t wait to find out what Brighton business thinks about a dedicated business district ... or which business leaders will lean which way! The arguments for and against will be heartfelt and riveting.”

Doors open at City College, Pelham Street, Brighton, at 6pm On Wednesday October 13, 2010. The debate itself runs from 6.30pm to 8pm. Entry is FREE and a pay wine bar will be provided by Elwood Wines. Tickets, which are going rapidly, may be booked at no charge online at

http://www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/event/local-issues-debate-does-brighton-need-a-business-district or by calling 01273 719097.

PR by Rob Shepherd, Press Dispensary