Labour : Taking the City forward

By Labour's Simon Burgess, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council.

Like many others, I came to Brighton and Hove as a student and never left. Over the last 15 years, I have seen the city transformed. Derelict buildings have gone and empty sites have been filled with modern and attractive developments and with a number of exciting ones to follow. Our Regency heritage has been restored and has never looked better.

Unemployment is at an all-time low and the fastest-growing sector is in the arts and creative industries, meaning that there is always a choice about how to be entertained for an evening; we are turning out Brighton University trained fashion designers and interactive computer games that sell around the world.

One of the things I love most about this city is how age doesn’t seem to matter; older people move here to enjoy retirement to the full, rather than take a rest. And the city has become more and more diverse, reflected in celebrations throughout the year.

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Crime is low and our streets are cleaner. Our parks look great, are enjoyed by all ages, and host many colourful events. The seafront playgrounds are real wonderlands for little ones. As well as the myriad of summer festivals in different areas of the city, there are special events that happen only here, such as Burning the Clocks, Brighton Pride and the fabulous Children’s Parade, which kicks off the largest arts festival in England each year.

We have a beautiful new central library in Jubilee Square where you can surf the web, enjoy music, films or stories, or simply read a newspaper while the wonderfully restored Dome and Museum arts complex is just a short stroll away. At the heart of our city we have proved how new services can be delivered in cutting-edge sustainable buildings, while heritage is cherished for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

My children are thriving in school and enjoy so much here; watching an Albion game, acrobatics classes, a walk on the Downs or across the beach, street parties or a bus ride across the city to visit friends.

When I tell people I’m from Brighton and Hove, they look interested and envious because they know what a lot we have to offer and how we are transforming into one of the most exciting cities in the UK.

So much of what we benefit from today was created under a Labour-led council and it was no accident. In 1999 we made the successful bid to become the first new city of the Millennium and were delighted to be made one by the Queen. Some people moaned about brash Brighton and haughty Hove being melded together, but we’ve shown communities can celebrate their differences while feeling part of a great city.

In my family, we know we could never live anywhere else, but we are part of a generation that must look to the future with a greater sense of urgency than ever before. That’s why the Labour-led council has been working in partnership planning for the future and taking measures to reduce car journeys, save energy and reduce our carbon footprint.

So, I am disappointed when people knock this great city of ours. I hope you’ll agree this is a fantastic place to live and want to work with us to build a sustainable future for all of us here in Brighton and Hove.