Press Release 21 May 2013

The council website is changing

Changes to make Brighton & Hove City Council's website easier to use are being made from 22 May 2013. A new format has been designed to make the site clearer and more concise.

Work on the site will take place in stages over the coming months and once complete, there will be fewer web pages to navigate and residents will be able to access many more services online.

To facilitate these changes, the new site is built with open source content management system, Drupal, which is used by an estimated seven million websites globally.

The website recently received the top 4 star award in a *national survey of local authority websites and regularly attracts up to 140,000 unique visitors per month. The work is part of an overall programme to improve the customer experience across all council services.

Council leader Jason Kitcat says: "Despite the recent award we know we can make our services even easier to find and use online.

"This revised website is the next step as we radically change how people access council services. The improvements have been driven by feedback from residents and businesses as well as by tapping expertise in our city's vibrant digital sector."

Note to Editor

* The 2013 SOCITM Better Connected Insight annual survey of all local authority websites

Press release 9 May 2013

City celebrates its People's Day Power

Brighton & Hove's annual one day free festival People's Day, (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/peoplesday), is taking place in the heart of the cultural quarter on 15 June 2013 from 11am to 5pm. Designed to celebrate the diverse communities that make up the city's population and define its inclusive nature, the event will have activities and entertainment for all age groups.

Set on New Road, Jubilee Street, Jubilee Square, Church Street and within the Corn Exchange, City College and the Brighthelm Centre - the programme will feature live music, dance, sport, fashion, health, wellbeing and crafts and have an array of global food stalls. Community groups and volunteers taking part include Gay Elderly Men's Society (GEMS), local female acapella choir, We-Bop, Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, and the Silver Sounds Samba Band.

People's Day is one of several events taking place in the city over the same weekend which the council is supporting. The Eco Technology Show, (www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk), at the Brighton Centre from 14 – 15 June will serve as the Eco Zone for People's Day and showcase low carbon products and services, self-build and renovation, transport and technology. Attendees will be able to choose from 60 workshops and talks covering commercial property, renewable energy, the Green Deal, domestic energy and efficiency and retrofits, plus smarter transport and waste.

The Eco Open Houses event, (www.ecoopenhouses.org), which allows the public free access into eco homes over two weekends - 15-16 and 21-22 June – will give an insight into what measures installed in the home could help save energy and money on energy bills. And Brighton Fashion Week, (www.brightonfashionweek.com), from 13-16 June, will showcase local designers' creations with a myriad of themes, from sustainable fashion to wickedly wild costume, in a series of fashion shows at St Bartholomew's Church, Brighton.

Council leader, Jason Kitcat, says: "Our city has a diverse mix of communities and our free-thinking attitude and spirit is something to celebrate.

"Last year's People's Day was a great success and we're hoping to get even more people to join in and enjoy the great array of food and entertainment on offer. The fact that there are so many other events taking place over the same weekend is not untypical for Brighton but gives even more of an incentive to get out and about and be reminded of why the city is such an interesting and inspiring place to be."

Nicola Gunstone, commercial director at The Eco Technology Show adds: "This year's first Eco Technology Show Fringe will see the show expand right across Brighton and Hove, presenting even more eco experiences to our visitors. Whether it's meeting local eco community groups at People's Day, watching models wearing sustainable materials strut the catwalk at Brighton Fashion Week or touring an eco house for some at home inspiration, this is set to be the largest eco event ever staged in the south east."

People's Day 2013 is funded by the council and supported by partners including: Guide2Brighton.com, Micarmo, Joogleberry Acts, Vision Brothers Productions Ltd

For more information:

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/peoplesday

www.facebook.com/BHPeoplesDay

Press release Thursday, 16 May 2013

Council sets out to improve racial equality

Brighton & Hove City Council is planning to change its approach to race equality in the work place. It's after an independent review was commissioned by the council to examine its policies and the experiences of its staff. The review was overseen by a group which included members of the council's BME Workers Forum and its Corporate Management Team working with the independent experts Global HPO.

An action plan is now being developed and although still in draft form some of its recommendations are already being put into practice, such as improving our management information, making sure that we have shared values and behaviours across the organisation and reviewing all of our staff training

The report recognises that the council has had some significant achievements and initiatives in equality and employment but rightly challenges us to do more to meet the standards that our staff and customers expect.

The full report will go to the council's Policy & Resources Committee in July.

Catherine Vaughan, Executive Director of Finance & Resources said: "This report is really important, some services and teams in the council have excellent practice and a number of BME staff were very positive about their experience of working for Brighton & Hove City Council. However the situation is far too varied across the organisation and this will be urgently addressed; our staff should have consistent experiences wherever they work."

Cllr Leo Littman, Deputy Chair of Policy & Resources Committee and BME Champion said: "I will be working hard with senior officers, our BME staff and the wider BME community to make sure that the Council learns important lessons from this review and that we take positive action to make a real difference.

"I am committed to ensuring that we provide an inclusive and equitable working environment; strive harder than ever to treat all our staff with the respect they deserve; and continue to improve our understanding of their needs and the needs of all of the City's residents."

A BME Workers' Forum (BMEWF) spokesperson said: "The BMEWF is pleased that this essential piece of work has been brought forward - and we welcome the final report and the adoption of its recommendations.

"The report fully aired a range of issues that we have had concerns about, and is very clear about what changes need to be made to facilitate fair treatment, positive action, and a shift in organisational values. These improvements will make the council a better local employer and provider of local services.

"We are confident that this piece of work will benefit not just BME staff, but the whole council workforce, and the city's residents too."

Related information

Press release Friday, 17 May 2013

Schools put walking on the map

Schools across Brighton & Hove will be taking part in Walk to School Week next week.

Forty schools in the city, with around 13,000 pupils between them, will be encouraging children and families to walk to school.

Fairlight Primary School in Brighton is putting up a walking zone map in the playground to invite parents to think about how far they live from the school and add on local information, such as short cuts, good places to park away from the school and easy routes for walking. The map will be used to promote active travel to new parents in the parents' pack, as a big display in the reception area and on the schools' website.

Pupils at Fairlight are also taking part in a design competition for a 'five minute' walking zone sign. The winning design will be printed and displayed on lamp posts around to show five minute routes to the school.

Damien Jordan, headteacher of Fairlight Primary School, said: "There's nothing like a good walk, scoot or ride of a bike old or new first thing in the morning to get the blood pumping and the brain working ready for school."

Piers, the giant meerkat will greet children across the city, including at Fairlight, as they arrive and handing out stickers to the walkers. Brighton & Hove City Council is using the meerkat as a walking mascot because of the animal's habit of looking left and right.

Councillor Ian Davey, lead member for transport at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "Walk to School Week is a great opportunity to encourage more families to walk to school. This year in Brighton & Hove schools are sharing local knowledge about the best ways to get to school, quickly, enjoyably and safely. The council supports schools throughout the year with travel planning and providing safe routes around schools."

Walk to School Week is a national event organised by the Living Streets charity.

Related information

Find out more about Walk to School in Brighton & Hove

Find out more about walking in the city

Press release 16 May 2013

Homes plan will preserve historic Kemp Town villas

Plans have been approved for 46 new homes in Kemp Town in a development which will also preserve two locally listed buildings.

The city council's planning committee agreed the proposals by Guinness Developments, including 18 homes available for rent or part-purchase through shared ownership.

Two Edwardian Villas at the former St Benedict's Convent site in Manor Road, dating from around 1906, will be converted into 16 flats. New buildings surrounding them will provide 22 houses and eight more flats.

Three of the affordable homes will be fully wheelchair accessible.

A former 1950s chapel on the site will be demolished.

As well as new homes, the council has secured from developers £144,000 for local sport and recreation, £23,000 towards a local employment scheme, £107,000 for education and £58,000 for sustainable transport.

Planning committee chair Cllr Christopher Hawtree said: "It's very pleasing to be able to approve new homes while simultaneously preserving and even enhancing these historic buildings been spoilt down the years by ugly additions which will be removed as part of the building work.

"It was a proposal with a slew of considerations - including the question of trees - for members to debate. This took some while, but all aspects of it were well aired, many astute comments were made. It was a close vote, but I think that - when complete - the existing buildings will be seen to better effect and it will be another in the area's enclaves of new and historic buildings existing side by side."

Elsewhere the committee also approved a development of six houses on land to the rear of Princes Road in Brighton.

Richmond House 'overdevelopment' refused

Plans to demolish Richmond House, a currently empty office building in Richmond Road, and build two new blocks to accommodate 144 rooms of student accommodation, have been refused by Brighton & Hove's Planning Committee.

Councillor Christopher Hawtree, chair of the city's planning committee, said: "We appreciate the need for purpose-built student accommodation in the city but to put three and five storey buildings amongst the sloping terraces of Round Hill would be an overdevelopment in the wrong place. Not only would access be difficult with such a large development, but the area has a fascinating variety of terraced housing and it's important to achieve a good balance.

"The site has also been identified in the City Plan has having potential to provide much-needed housing and Richmond House is an example of a site providing vital small-scale employment which is characteristic of Brighton & Hove's economy."

Related information

See a full list of the planning committee's decisions

Read the reports for the Planning Committee

Press Release 15 May 2013

Check out B.Fest this half term

B.fest – Brighton Youth Arts Festival is a festival created by young people for young people. The festival runs for a week during half term (25 May to 1 June), and will feature over 30 performances, exhibitions and workshops.

Don't miss the official opening of the festival and launch party at Jubilee Library, on Wednesday 22 May from 7.30pm – 9pm. It's open to everyone, and there will be live music, performances, guest stars and you'll get the chance to reserve your place for some of the best events.

Events include:

B.fest Jam (FREE – Saturday 25 May, 2-10pm at Brighton Youth Centre) – a skate jam and masses of DIY Music, Art and Digital workshops to get involved with including Frankie Stew, Raw Roads & Fight Lab

Hip Hop Foundation (FREE – Monday 27 May, 6.30-8.30pm at Brighton Youth Centre) – Master classes in rap performance skills, live music production, digital DJing and much more.

Spray It Don't Say It (FREE – Wednesday 29 May, 6.30-8.30pm at Brighton Youth Centre) – Workshops and graffiti tours with street artists from Brighton including Sinna1.

Bite! Youth Poets vs MCs Slam (£2 under 16s, £4 over 16s, £5 adults – Wednesday 29 May, 6.00 pm at Brighton Youth Centre) Twelve young MCs and performance poets battle it out.

Skate Film Festival (FREE Monday 27, Wednesday 29 & Friday 31 May 6 –10pm) 3 nights of skate films including big names, local talent and work from young filmmakers.

B.fest Live (£2 under 19s, £4 over 19s – Saturday 1 June, 8pm-midnight at Brighton Youth Centre) End of festival gig night with live bands and local talent.

Cllr Sue Shanks, Chair of the Children & Young People Committee: "From master classes in rap to workshops in clothes customisation and street art tours, there's something for everyone at Brighton Youth Arts Festival and most of the events are free. As well as having fun, young people have the opportunity to learn and develop creative skills, a great way to spend the half term!"

Notes to Editors

Raw Roads Turning Tides, a collaborative touring project combining spoken word, urban music and MCs will be performing at BFest Jam

Rapper Frankie Stew will be at the Film Crew Workshops @ B.Fest Jam & Freestyle (FREE – Saturday 25 May 2-10pm and Monday 27 May 2-7pm at Brighton Youth Centre)

Take a look at the Facebook page

Press release 15th May 2013

Food growing project shortlisted

An innovative project to encourage designers to incorporate food growing in new development proposals for Brighton & Hove, has been shortlisted for a major award.

Brighton & Hove City Council's 'Food Growing and Development Planning Advice Note (PAN) has been shortlisted for a Royal Town Planning Award under the category for 'innovative use of the planning process.'

The council is the first local authority in the country to produce a 'Planning Advice Note' to urge developers to include space for growing food in new development proposals.

The document was written jointly by Food Matters* and planning officers from Brighton & Hove City Council. "Food Matters is proud to have written the growing advice in collaboration with the City Council and that it has had such a great response - both here in Brighton & Hove and further afield," said Clare Devereux from Food Matters. "The planning system can be instrumental in supporting a better food system for health and the environment as this award shows."

The council believes that all residents, visitors and people who work in the city should have greater opportunities to experience, be involved in and have access to food growing activity and enjoy the social, environmental and health benefits.

The PAN urges developers to explore ways to incorporate food growing in their proposals. This could range from small scale landscaping with herbs, and planting fruit trees, to providing allotment space in residential developments.

Roofs, balconies and walls all offer opportunities for growing produce and landscaping can feature edible plants and fruit bushes rather than ornamental trees and shrubs.

Since it was adopted in 2011, the Food Growing PAN has resulted in a huge increase in the number of applications incorporating food growing as part of development proposals. Numbers of approved applications proposing food growing have soared from 1% to 38%.

The plan has already been put to good use in projects across the city and residents will soon be reaping the benefits.

A community orchard has been incorporated at The Keep - Brighton's new historic archive centre at Woollards Field. The council worked closely with East Sussex County Council to secure land management agreements, and with two community organisations - Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Brighton Permaculture Trust to manage the project. The orchard was planted in December.

Students will be involved in the care of the orchard and are already planning events such as 'Apple Days.'

Earlier this year the council also approved plans to develop student residential halls at the former Co-op Department store in London Road - plans which include an offsite community garden.

Council Leader Jason Kitcat said he was delighted to see the scheme getting national recognition as the effects were widespread - from reducing the city's carbon footprint, to increasing biodiversity, creating a greener urban landscape and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.

"As a One Planet City, we are committed to creating opportunities to weave food growing into any new developments.

"Food production typically accounts for about a quarter of an individual's ecological or environmental footprint, so producing food on our doorsteps has the potential to result in a massive reduction in food miles."

Vic Borrill, Director, Brighton & Hove Food Partnership added: 'Who would have thought that planning guidance could taste good! The PAN is an innovative way for the planning process to support urban food growing from edible landscapes, to mini allotments and orchards. I hope that other places follow the city's lead in adopting planning guidance like this.

The RTPI winners will be announced at an awards presentation held on 10th July 2013

The project has also been selected as a finalist in the 'innovation' category of the 'Construction Excellence' awards -from SECBE. www.ce-awards.co.uk

Notes for editors

Food matters is a not-for-profit national food policy and advocacy organisation working to create sustainable and fair food systems.

They have been instrumental in developing the City Food Strategy and the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership.

Press release 13 May 2013

Youth orchestra performs with BBC Young Musician of the Year

Brighton Youth Orchestra will be accompanied by the BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden as part of this year's Brighton Festival.

The orchestra will perform Haydn's Cello Concerto in C Major, Sussex Overture by Arnold and Bernstein's West Side Story. The concert will take place at the Brighton Dome on Sunday 19 May at 5pm.

Laura is Sussex born and bred and was part of the local Springboard Festival for several years. Laura won the Concerto prize and was offered an opportunity to perform with the Brighton Youth Orchestra conducted by Andrew Sherwood.

The Brighton Youth Orchestra, as part of Brighton & Hove City Council Music & Arts service, has performed at many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and live on Classic FM. Members of the orchestra also played at the recent SoundCity launch event party which celebrated the music made by young people from across the city.

BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden said:

"I am thrilled to be playing at the Brighton Festival again and so enjoy the Brighton Youth Orchestra. It's very exciting to be part of their energy and enthusiasm and I am really looking forward to performing the Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major with them….and in the amazing Brighton Dome!"

Sue Shanks, Chair of the Children & Young People Committee, said:

"It's a real coup for the Brighton Youth Orchestra to be playing at the Brighton Festival and really does showcase the talent that we have in this city. We're very proud of our young musicians as they demonstrate that our city is producing some of the most exciting young musicians in the country.

"The opportunity to perform at such a prestigious venue offers our musicians the motivation and inspiration to fully explore their musical ambitions. The combination of Brighton Youth Orchestra and the BBC Young Musician of the Year is a concert not to be missed so everyone should go out and buy tickets."

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome and Festival, said:

"This is going to be a really fantastic concert that is a welcome addition to the eclectic line up for this year's Brighton Festival and underpins our commitment to young talent. It's wonderful that the BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden will be performing alongside some of the best local talent that is the Brighton Youth Orchestra."

Tickets are still available and under 16's can enjoy this special programme for just £5.

ends

Press release 13 May 2013

New Woodland burial area in a peaceful setting on the edge of the city

Woodland burial is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cemetery grounds. Brighton & Hove City Council's Bereavement Services team has created a new Natural Burial cemetery in response to demand for this burial option.

The new Woodland Valley cemetery is on the edge of the city, overlooking the Sussex Downs and with views of the sea. The two acre ground is near the Lawn Memorial Cemetery on Warren Road, Woodingdean.

The countryside location has been chosen for its natural beauty and will be enhanced with carefully selected plants suitable for the existing environment.

The council is keen to ensure fees are competitive compared to nearby natural burial grounds. Prices start at £1,250 for a single plot.

Planting began in January to transform the field into a flourishing meadow with trees, shrubs and hedgerows. The woods will mature over five to ten years and continue to grow for decades ahead. Foliage has been chosen to suit the location and encourage wildlife.

To keep an organic and free flowing feel to the development, plots will be placed in different areas around the cemetery rather than in conventional straight rows throughout. The central Woodland Walk is designed with a circular distribution of plots mingled with forest-style planting. Other areas will be mainly linear in layout, with foliage distributed among the graves to create the growing woodland environment.

Instead of headstones, each grave will be marked only with an unobtrusive ground level metal plaque. Small wooden memorials and wildflowers will also be available to personalise graves. The different locations are also clearly recorded on a site map so visitors can find their way around the woodland. The overall effect is a calm, contemplative and pleasant place to visit in a beautiful natural setting.

There will be approximately 1,800 burial plots available. In keeping with the conservation and environmental focus, only bio-degradable coffins are allowed at woodland burial cemeteries in the city. A separate area where cremated remains may be scattered is also being planned.

Councillor Leo Littman, responsible for Life Events for Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "The plans for Woodland Valley are sensitive to the changing needs of people in the city and to the environment. The location offers a tranquil place to be calm and remember loved ones. The area is already an attractive location and will grow even more beautiful over time as the woodland grows to maturity. It is an honour to be involved in helping to improve choice for people in need of bereavement services."

Planning permission was confirmed in January 2013 from the South Downs National Park to develop the site into the Woodland Valley Cemetery.

More information:

• Small wooden memorials, in keeping with the surroundings, will be available for family and friends to purchase to mark graves.
• There will be no lighting within Woodland Valley. The area will be open during the existing daytime cemetery opening hours.
• To encourage wildlife, such as rabbits, butterflies and bees, wildflowers and grassland will be encouraged to grow in the meadow. Paths will be cleared for ease of access.
• Plots will be available to purchase from this week. The cost of buying a plot in Woodland Valley begins at about £1,250.

Links:

• Woodland burial in the city
• Brighton & Hove City Council bereavement services
  

Press release Monday, 13 May 2013

Council's application for planning exemption turned down

The council fears that new Government legislation to ease change of use from office to residential property will have a detrimental affect on the city's business growth when it comes into force on 30 May. Despite Brighton & Hove's request for exemption the Council was one of many concerned local authorities across the country to be denied their exemption request.

Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, Deputy Leader of the council, said; "The council put forward a robust and carefully considered case to protect businesses and jobs in the city.

"We are bitterly disappointed that the Government has chosen to refuse our request despite the fact that it was supported by key business groups in the city including the Economic Partnership, the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and Wired Sussex.

"The council understands only too well the need for housing, but it is equally vital that we are able to sustain the economic regeneration of our city. Brighton & Hove has been awarded ultra-fast broadband in acknowledgment of our enviable position as the creative and digital hub for the South East. These new rules will make it so much harder for us to build on our hard won reputation and attract more investment for the city as a whole."

Related information

The government stated from the outset that it would only grant exemptions in exceptional circumstances; only 11 of the 30 London councils were successful with a handful of councils outside London.

Brighton and Hove is one of the fastest growing economies in the south east. Over the past 15 years job growth has exceeded the regional and national average.

Forecasts show that the city has the potential to generate 20,000 jobs over the next two decades, of which about 7,900 (40%), will require office premises.

Brighton & Hove City Council asked the government for an exemption on new planning rules to protect central Brighton office space and 15 other employment sites in the city

There are 1,500 companies in the whole proposed exemption area, 20% of the city's entire business base.

Central Brighton accounts for 32% of the city's stock of office space and the economic cost of losing even 10% of it could equate to a loss or displacement of up to 700 office-based jobs, with an impact of £25.6 million Gross Value Added (GVA) per annum.

If 10% of this stock were converted to housing, it could support around 190 units and 114 jobs over the three year period during the construction phase, worth £2.4 million of GVA. There would be no control over whether the units would be affordable housing.

A recent study into employment space in the city revealed a shortage of available office space in the central Brighton area and that need is reflected in the City Plan. This cannot be achieved through new development alone, but also through renewal and upgrading of existing office space.

As well as central Brighton, the 15 other sites for proposed exemption were: Preston Barracks and Brighton University; Edward Street Quarter; Circus Street; Conway Street Industrial Area; Toads Hole Valley; Portland Road Trading Estate; Land north of Newtown Road; Woodingdean Industrial Estate; Hollingbury Industrial Site; English Close Industrial Area; City Park, the Droveway, Hove; Patcham Court Farm; Knoll Business Park; Peacock Industrial Estate; Sackville Trading Estate

According to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the 17 successful councils are: the City of London and the London boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Westminster, Newham, and Kensington and Chelsea.
Also exempt are the Vale of the White Horse in Oxfordshire, Stevenage in Hertfordshire, Ashford and Sevenoaks, both in Kent, East Hampshire, and Manchester City Council.

Press release 13 May 2013

Better bus area consultation

People living and working in the area around Edward Street in Brighton will have the opportunity to give their views on the 'Better Bus Area' transport scheme which aims to make bus journeys easier and more reliable as well as improve routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Consultation begins today, Monday, 13 May and will run until 21 June on the first phase of work which covers the area from the junction of Edward Street with Pavilion Gardens to the junction of Eastern Road with Freshfield Road.

There will be further consultation on proposals for Eastern Road and the Valley Gardens area in the coming year.

Local people will be able to view the proposals in more detail and talk them through with the council's transport staff at a public exhibition which is being held at Brighton Youth Centre on May 25 from 2pm to 8pm, as well as at Local Action Team (LAT) meetings on 15 May (Tarner LAT, The Millwood Centre, 6.30pm) and 22 May (Queens Park LAT, Southover Pub, 7.30-9pm).

Details will be posted on the council's website from Tuesday, 14 May at: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/betterbusareas

Councillor Ian Davey, Brighton & Hove's Lead Member for Transport, said: "This project is designed to improve the environment to make it a much better experience for people moving through the area, as well as addressing an increasing need for bus services, better crossing points and cycling facilities as a result of major developments such as the Royal Sussex County Hospital. We are looking forward to hearing from the local community as their views will make a difference to how this area is improved for the future."

Proposals include shared bus, taxi and cycle lanes eastbound from the junction with Upper Rock Gardens to the junction with Freshfield Road and westbound along the length of Edward Street and new and improved pedestrian crossings.

In February 2012 the council won £3.48 million worth of funding from the Department for Transport for the Better Bus Area project which also includes the Lewes Road and Eastern Road areas. The total fund is £5.82 million with contributions added by the council and Brighton and Hove Bus Company.

The funding has already been used to increase and extend key bus services in the city, with the 23 service increased from two to three buses an hour with an evening and Sunday service added, the 38 service extended to serve Brighton Station and the 48 service increased from three to five buses an hour.

Buses travelling through the 'better bus area' carry in excess of 25 million passengers per year.

The results of the consultation will be reported to a future meeting of the Environment and Transport Committee. If agreed, work could start in the autumn.

For more information email transport.planning@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call (01273) 293862.

Notes for editors

Improvements around Valley Gardens, from The Level to the Old Steine in Brighton, are part of a wider public realm project to provide and attractive, flexible and safe space for people to enjoy year-round and at all times of the day. Those who live and work in the city are currently invited to contribute their ideas for what they would like to see in this area.

Extra funding for buses and improved bus stops along Lewes Road complements the wider transport scheme for that area which won £4.2m from the government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Press release 10 May 2013

Brighton Gig brings Musical Edge to Electronics Recycling

An event to raise awareness of the importance of recycling electronic goods among a younger age group is heading to Brighton. The Make Noise gig, in association with the European Recycling Platform (ERP) and Heavenly Records, will take place at Life, Kings Road Arches, on 16 May 2013 from 11pm to 4am.

Headline acts, including two of America's cutting edge electronic music talents, Machinedrum and Jimmy Edgar, will join forces for a special Jets DJ set between 11pm – 4am. Entry is free with the proviso that attendees bring along an unwanted, hand-held, electronic item to recycle; anything with a plug or battery such as a broken hairdryer or i-pod, an old phone or laptop or even a handful of old batteries will qualify.

The Make Noise event is part of a country-wide tour that has already staged gigs in other cities including Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds and London. Photographs of clubbers and their recycled items taken at previous gigs by Nic Serpell-Rand will be on show at the Fortune of War, 157 Kings Road Arches, Brighton, from 16 May – mid June 2013.

Any electrical item that's powered by a battery or a plug is known in the recycling world as WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment). Brighton & Hove City Council coordinates more than 80 recycling points for small electronic household items, such as hairdryers, electric razors, kettles, DIY equipment and computers, across the city and some retailers and companies offer free recycling and take back schemes which include giving money back for old gadgets.

Large WEEE items including fridges, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers can be reused or recycled at the two Veolia Environmental Services household waste recycling sites - either at Old Shoreham Road, Hove, or Wilson Avenue, Brighton - or through retailer take back schemes.

Chair of BHCC's Environment & Sustainability Committee, Pete West, says: "We're all using an increasing number of electronic devices and not nearly enough are recycled when they break or we move on to the latest new thing. Younger people are particularly fond of their gadgets and these events are an ideal way of highlighting how and where to recycle them.

"Electricals contain valuable raw materials such as silver and components can often be used to make other items and ultimately this reduces waste."

Nick Purser, communications manager at ERP UK, says: "The Make Noise gigs are a great opportunity to see some of the finest musical talent of the moment. It's a real coup to have Machinedrum and Jimmy Edgar play in Brighton as it will be a rare UK appearance for them. We're really looking forward to being in the city which we know has a thriving music scene and is a pretty switched on place in terms of sustainable issues."

For more information about the gig, see:
Facebook.com/makenoiseuk
Twitter.com/makenoiseuk
#Makenoise

More information

Image to use with credit: Nic Serpell-Rand
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/66666269/Maknoise.jpg

For more information on recycling electronic items in Brighton & Hove, see: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1235635

Press release 9 May 2013

Drive to fill empty shops with pop-up businesses

A new type of 'estate agency' is now operating in Brighton & Hove, aimed at getting pop-up businesses and other activities to fill empty shops and offices.

The city council has selected an organisation called We Are Pop Up. to run the project, following a tendering process. It aims to put people with empty shops in touch with emerging digital and creative sector organisations, freelancers and undergraduate and postgraduate students, who need space.

Details are on a new website launched to advise and champion Brighton & Hove's arts and creative industries sector. The city's Arts and Creative Industries Commission site at http://www.acicommission.org.uk/ aims to boost a sector already responsible for around 16,000 jobs in the city – over 10 per cent of the workforce.

As well as the pop-up initiative, ReCreate, a European-funded 16-partner project has enabled the council to fund refurbishment of a previously-empty 3,500 sq ft unit in New England House, near Brighton Station. This space has been transformed into an arts and creative industries innovation hub, 'The FuseBox'. The council's Economic Development team and Wired Sussex are working together to ensure that this workspace provides opportunities for new business ideas from emerging arts and creative industry organisations, freelancers and university students to flourish. It includes a programme of learning and support

The city council and Wired Sussex won £650,000 of EU money for the two-and-a-half year ReCreate project.

Chair of the council's economic development and culture committee Cllr Geoffrey Bowden – also on the Commission – said: "The new website will be useful for communicating this type of advice. Finding affordable premises for our small creative companies is a pressing need hence the pop-up initiative and establishing The FuseBox. Pop-ups can be for a few days or weeks and they can suit anyone from chefs to artists or retailers. They can perhaps be used to test ideas or hold promotional events. We have the space and we have the ideas. Let's bring them together with the minimum fuss."

More information about The FuseBox is on http://thefusebox.tumblr.com/

ReCreate is an EU Interreg 4a cross-border collaborative programme between the UK and France.

Contacts:

To offer or find pop-up premises: andy.glover@brighton-hove.gov.uk Abigail@wearepopup.com

Arts and Creative Industries Commission website content: branwen.lorigan@brighton-hove.gov.uk and tricia.winter@brighton-hove.gov.uk