Trading on the seafront

The Council is prepared to grant the right to use an area adjacent to the Black Rock Volks Railway Station to place up an Ice Cream Van in the designated area indicated in red on the plan below. 

The Licence will be granted for a period from Saturday 27 March until Sunday 27 September 2026. This is the period that the Volks Railway will be operating this year.

The licence fee shall be exclusive of all outgoings and VAT. 

The following terms and conditions will relate to the use of this parcel of land, marked in red, in accordance with the Council’s directions:

1. The licence fee plus VAT shall be paid monthly in advance by direct debit. The first payment to be made on completion of the licence.
2. The licensee may sell the following items: - ice cream, confectionery, hot beverages, soft drinks and savoury snacks only. No hot food or alcohol may be sold.
3. The licensee must position their Ice Cream Van in the designated area as shown in red on the attached plan and shall in any event be such so as not to block the footpath nor cover the metal escape hatches to the south of the station.
4. The Council will inform the licensee of events that are to be held on Madeira Drive during 2026. The Licensee may have access to the designated area through any road closures provided the vans are in place by 9am but this cannot be guaranteed.
5. The licensee shall indemnify the Council against all actions, loss or claims resulting from the use of this land and your operations on it. You shall ensure that you have a suitable Public Liability Insurance for your operations and activities in the sum of £10 million.
6. The licensee shall be responsible for complying with all statutory obligations in respect of the exercise of this licence and keeping the area you use clean of all litter etc.
7.  
   • The Licence will determine if the fees are unpaid after 7 days from the date when they are due.
   • The Licence may also be determined by the Council at any time due to the construction works. Any overpayment of the licence fee will be returned pro-rata.

There will be a key or key code supplied to the operator for access through the height barrier into Black Rock Car Park and on to the designated area. It is imperative that the gate is always kept locked. No one is allowed through the gate other than as specified by the Council. If the operator allows access to other parties, the Council will terminate the Licence immediately.

In the event of an emergency, if so requested by Council officers, the licensee must move, relocate or cease their operations.

Apply for an ice cream van concession

Download our application and return your filled application form to jane.pinnock@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Download application

Location

This property is situated on the Lower Promenade of Madeira Drive close to Brighton Palace Pier on the Eastern side. Being adjacent to the Pier, the Brighton Zip, and the Brighton Sea Life Centre, this area of the seafront is very popular with visitors to the city. 

Description

The property offers a spacious rectangular space with the benefit of running water and electricity. The unit has its own entrance directly on to the Lower Promenade with the benefit of two security roller shutters, and a window that provides good light into the space. 

Accommodation

The unit measures approximately 17.2 sq.m (3.65 m x 4.7 m) Gross Internal Area.

Lease

The premises are available by way of a new lease for a term of 5 years, such lease to be excluded from the Security Provisions (Sections 24 to 28) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. 

Rent

£5,000 per annum exclusive. 

A rent deposit equivalent to one quarter’s rent is payable on completion of the lease.

Use 

The permitted use for the unit is retail. Please note the sale of food or drink of any kind will not be permitted. The unit is most suitable for an artist as a workshop/studio with the ability to sell artwork as well. 

Rateable Value

The rateable value under the 2026 revaluation will be £3,150. 

Small business rate relief may be available, find out about help with business rates for small businesses.  

Legal cost

Each side to pay their own legal fees.

Services

No electrical or other equipment, appliances or installations have been tested. In-going occupants must make their own enquiries. 

VAT

Under the Finance Act 1999 VAT may now be charged on rent, however, the Council is not charging VAT on these properties at this time. 

Viewing

If you would like to view the property, please contact:

• Jasna Kodi Valappil (Assistant Estates Surveyor) at Jasna.kodivalappil@brighton-hove.gov.uk or
• Jane Pinnock (Senior Seafront Estates Surveyor) at jane.pinnock@brighton-hove.gov.uk

How to make an application

To make an application, send an email to Jasna Kodi Valappil.

Your application should include at least the following details, together with any other information which you feel may be relevant when considering your application:

• The full name and address of the intended tenant – to include the registered office if a Company (including Company Number) or if any individual, their National Insurance Number
• Telephone/mobile number
• Email address
• Detailed description of the proposed use
• Details of existing business, if appropriate, or other relevant business experience
• An outline business plan
• Confirmation you are prepared to offer the rent quoted
• Confirmation you are prepared to pay one quarter's rent as a deposit