Good afternoon, Brighton 👋

Plenty happening across the city this week, from a £50m Hove housing scheme gets the go-ahead (with a price bump), Brighton Palace Pier’s owners weigh up selling, and the Sussex Wildlife Trust scores a big win for our coast. But it’s not all council meetings and developers, Brighton’s festive season kicks off with free community and family fun, from the big Christmas Lights Switch-On to arts workshops and crafty kids’ sessions at the Dome.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🏗️ £50m Hove housing scheme approved as costs climb
🎡 Brighton Palace Pier could go up for sale
⛳️ A mini-golf & cocktails date under neon lights
🎄 Free festive fun as Brighton lights up for Christmas

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🏗️ £50m Hove housing scheme gets green light - but costs rise by £2.6m

A £50 million plan to build more than 300 new flats on the former Sackville Road Trading Estate in Hove has been approved – but the project’s cost has already ballooned by an extra £2.6 million. Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet will discuss the funding increase next week, with officials citing design changes, delays securing the site, and new safety regulations as reasons for the rise. The Homes for Brighton and Hove scheme, a joint venture between the council and Hyde Housing, includes 183 flats for social rent and 123 for shared ownership.

Councillors backed the plans unanimously, calling the development a much-needed boost for affordable housing in the city, though several raised concerns about its design, lack of parking, and strain on local infrastructure. Independent councillor Samer Bagaeen warned that “responsible development must be matched by adequate infrastructure,” citing worries about traffic, utilities, and healthcare access. Others criticised the block-style design, lack of green space, and the absence of a GP surgery on-site.

Despite criticism, Hyde Housing’s regional development director Sarah Poulter said the project would offer “truly affordable” homes to people on the city’s long waiting list, noting 5,000 live applications and over 2,000 households in temporary accommodation. Construction is expected to take up to a year to gain Building Safety Regulator approval, with the final go-ahead set to be decided at the council’s cabinet meeting next Thursday (14 November).
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎡 Brighton Palace Pier owners consider selling up

The Brighton Pier Group has revealed it may sell the iconic Brighton Palace Pier following a sharp decline in profits. The company said trading in 2025 “remained subdued,” with like-for-like sales down 10% year-on-year and rising costs from the National Living Wage and reduced business rate relief adding pressure.

A spokesperson said the potential sale of “some or all” of the group’s assets was now being explored as “the most effective course of action” to preserve value for stakeholders. The group has already sold off several London and Bristol bars and is marketing its Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire for £3 million.
→ Read more on BBC News

🚌 Councillor warns of ‘accident waiting to happen’ in Mile Oak

A Portslade councillor has warned it’s “only a matter of time” before a serious crash occurs at the corner of Heathfield Drive and Graham Avenue, where a busy bus stop blocks drivers’ views. Independent councillor Peter Atkinson said up to four buses often queue outside the shops, forcing motorists to inch dangerously into traffic with no clear line of sight.

The council’s road safety team previously said little could be done, but Atkinson is pushing again for action and urging residents to send photos and videos of the problem. He praised the bus company’s “dependable and very frequent service” but said urgent steps, such as installing an anti-glare mirror, are needed before tragedy strikes.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🌊 Wildlife Trust wins Brighton Marina dredging case

The Sussex Wildlife Trust has won its legal challenge to stop dredging material from Brighton Marina being dumped in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) admitted it hadn’t properly assessed whether the project would “avoid, minimise or mitigate” environmental harm and chose not to defend the case in court.

Conservation director Henri Brocklebank said the plan would have meant a million tonnes of sediment, “33,000 shipping containers worth of spoil”, being dumped in one of the UK’s rarest habitats. The MMO now has to find an alternative disposal site, while keeping the marina safely navigable for boats.
→ Read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

🔥 Rockwater plans beach saunas in Hove: The seafront venue wants to replace three beach huts with new saunas, sparking local backlash from small operators.
→ Read more on The Argus

📮 Post office wins licence to sell alcohol: Hove Post Office can now sell alcohol after agreeing to tighter security and shorter hours despite police objections.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

📶 Phone firm appeals Hove mast rejection: Cornerstone is appealing after its 66ft Dyke Road 5G mast was refused by the council over visual concerns.
→ Read more on The Argus

🔊 ‘Hanover hum’ driving neighbours to distraction: Residents say a low-pitched noise from a substation is making life unbearable, but UK Power Networks insists it meets standards.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

💧 New project to protect Brighton’s drinking water: A new “rainscape” at Wild Park will filter road runoff to protect the city’s underground water supply.
→ Read more on BBC News

🚧 Overnight roadworks on A63 roundabout: Urgent resurfacing work starts Monday at Brighton Street roundabout, with five nights of overnight closures.
→ Read more on BBC News

🎋 Brighton named bamboo invasion hotspot: Experts say Brighton is among the UK’s worst areas for invasive bamboo damaging homes and gardens.
→ Read more on The Argus

🚆 No weekend trains to Brighton: Engineering works will close the line between Littlehampton and Brighton this weekend with replacement buses running.
→ Read more on The Argus

🤑 FREE Community Events This Week

🎄 Christmas Lights Switch-On | Thu 13 Nov

6pm @ Shelter Hall, Brighton Seafront

Brighton’s festive season kicks off at Shelter Hall with food, drinks, free hot chocolate and panto fun from the Jack and the Beanstalk cast. Join the Mayor for the big switch-on and a night full of festive cheer.

🎟️ More info

🎉 Family Day Take Part | Sat 15 Nov

11am-6pm @ Brighton Dome & Museum

Brighton’s biggest free arts and culture celebration fills the Dome and Museum with music, dance, workshops and creativity. Expect food, stalls and performances honouring Brighton’s vibrant Global Majority communities.

🎟️ More info

🍁 Crafty Kids: Autumn in a Box! | Sun 16 Nov

11.30am & 2pm @ Brighton Dome, Anita’s Room

Kids aged 3-10 can get crafty at this hands-on autumn workshop led by artist Laura Halliwell. Create a colourful seasonal scene using natural materials to take home and display.

🎟️ More info

⛳ One Under

For a date that’s more fun than formal, head underground to One Under, Brighton’s neon-lit mini-golf and cocktail bar on East Street. Choose between two immersive courses: the underwater-themed Ocean Course or Gamer’s Paradise, packed with nostalgic arcade vibes and glowing UV effects. It’s competitive, creative, and guaranteed to break the ice for any first dates.

After you’ve battled through the 9 holes, celebrate (or commiserate) at the stunning LED marble bar with a cocktail in hand. The drinks menu is as playful as the setting with plenty of classic cocktails on offer, and if you’re peckish, you can order Bok Shop fried chicken or vegan chick’n straight to your table. Perfect for keeping the energy high between rounds.

And if you’re not ready to call it a night, grab a few friends (or rivals) for a round of interactive darts or shuffleboard. Between the glow-in-the-dark golf, cocktails, and games, One Under delivers a full evening of laughs, light competition, and the kind of date night that doesn’t need dinner to feel special.

📍 East Street, Brighton BN1 1NF
⏰ Mon-Thu 12-10/11pm, Fri 12-12am, Sat 10-1am, Sun 10-11pm
🍸 Bookings & Info

🏡 Raising Brows on Hill Brow

Another modern masterpiece with panoramic sea views, a glass-panel swimming pool, and a walk-in wardrobe you could host a fashion show in. With a bespoke German kitchen, Control4 smart home system, and hotel-style master suite with a little lounge contained within the huge bedroom.

📍 Hill Brow, Hove
💰 Offers in Excess of £3,500,000
🔗 View listing

🎄 Komedia Christmas Party Show Only tickets on sale!

📅 4th-20th December 2025
📍 Komedia Brighton

Already booked a Christmas dinner? Join us afterwards for an award-winning comedy show with Thomas Green, Thanyia Moore, Matt Richardson and other top-tier comedians, plus an after-party until late! 

Limited Show-Only tickets are now on sale for the Komedia Christmas Party. 

Grab your mates and soak up the festive atmosphere from just £20pp at the Best Comedy Venue in the South & East (Chortle 2025).*

Tuesday

🌊 Ocean With David Attenborough
Tuesday, 7:30pm-9pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Sir David’s breathtaking ocean documentary exploring the world’s seas and their fragility in a changing world. More Info

🎭 The Spice Girls Experience
Tuesday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal Brighton
Join Ginger, Scary, Sporty, Baby and Posh for a night of iconic hits and girl power nostalgia. Tickets

🎬 Kill Local
Tuesday, 7:30pm @ New Venture Theatre
Dark comedy about a disillusioned assassin wrestling with family loyalty and morality. Tickets

🎳 Singles Bowling Night
Tuesday, 8pm @ Hollywood Bowl, Brighton Marina
Stop swiping, start striking! A fun singles night for ages 24-42 with games and drinks. More Info

Wednesday

🎭 The Horne Section’s Hit Show
Wednesday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal Brighton
Britain’s funniest band bring their chaotic, musical comedy brilliance to Brighton. Tickets

💡 Unlocking Facilitation
Wednesday, 9am-1pm @ PLATF9RM
Hands-on workshop to boost your confidence and skills running group sessions. More Info

🍹 Drink This: So You Think You Hate Tequila?
Wednesday, 6:30pm-8:30pm @ PLATF9RM Hove, Church Rd
Guided tequila tasting with cocktails, snacks, and prizes hosted by Millie Milliken. Tickets

😂 Paul F Taylor - Off The Paul
Wednesday, 8pm @ Komedia
Off-the-wall surreal comedy from Paul F Taylor, as seen on Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4. Tickets

🎙️ Cool-Aid Comedy
Wednesday, 8pm-10:30pm @ Caroline of Brunswick, Ditchling Road
Brighton’s longest-running new material comedy night with pros and newcomers. Tickets

Thursday

🎭 Alan Davies: Think Ahead
Thursday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
Comedian, actor and QI star Alan Davies returns with sharp wit and classic charm. Tickets

🎤 Stephen Bailey: Tart
Thursday, 8pm @ Komedia
Live at the Apollo star Stephen Bailey returns with a fabulous and funny new show. Tickets

🎸 Bear Country & Dratmandu at The Pipeline
Thursday, 7pm-10pm @ The Pipeline, Little East Street
A high-energy night of Brighton rock featuring Bear Country and Dratmandu. Tickets

🎭 Brighton Girls & St Christopher’s Prep: Shakespeare Live!
Thursday, 6pm-8:30pm @ The Old Market
A vibrant school production bringing Shakespeare’s classics to life for new audiences. More Info

Friday

🎭 Story Magic
Friday, 10am & 11am @ Komedia
Music, movement, and storytelling fun for little ones aged 9 months-4 years. More Info

🎅 Count Arthur Strong’s A Christmas Carol
Friday, 8pm @ Theatre Royal
The delightfully befuddled Count Arthur reimagines Dickens in his own hilarious way. Tickets

🎤 Kae Kurd: What’s O’Kurd
Friday, 8pm-10pm @ The Old Market, Hove
Stand-up star Kae Kurd returns with his sharp new show on life, fame, and identity. Tickets

🐭 Short Stories Tall Tales: Mouse and Sam’s Winter Holiday
Friday, 11:30am-12:15pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Interactive storytelling adventure for toddlers and parents led by actress Hannah Summers. More Info

Live Music

Kris Drever & Polly Paulusma | Komedia | Tue 11 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets
Bahamas | The Old Market | Tue 11 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets
Shoom | The Pipeline | Tue 11 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets
Fletchr Fletchr | Green Door Store | Tue 11 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
George Bloomfield (Album Launch) | A L P H A B E T | Tue 11 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets
Hamilton Leithauser | Chalk | Tue 11 Nov, 6pm | Tickets

Sports Team | Patterns | Wed 12 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
Runo Plum | DUST | Wed 12 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
Caoilfhionn Rose | A L P H A B E T | Wed 12 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets
The Chameleons | Concorde 2 | Wed 12 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets

White Lies | Chalk | Thu 13 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
Mickey Callisto | Green Door Store | Thu 13 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
The Clause | Patterns | Thu 13 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
Cordelia Gartside | The Hope & Ruin | Thu 13 Nov, 7:45pm | Tickets
Pile | DUST | Thu 13 Nov, 8pm | Tickets
Arthur Brown | Concorde 2 | Thu 13 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets

Tara Lily | A L P H A B E T | Fri 14 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
Turin Brakes | Concorde 2 | Fri 14 Nov, 7pm | Tickets
Room Service + Pigeon Wigs + Suckle | The Folklore Rooms | Fri 14 Nov, 7:30pm | Tickets
King of the Rollers & Inja | Concorde 2 | Fri 14 Nov, 11pm | Tickets

Last week’s trivia had you scratching your heads over Brighton’s silver-screen cameos, and it turns out nearly half of you were caught in a dream! Inception (2010) was the correct answer, with 47.2% of you guessing right. The 2nd most popular pick, Everything Everywhere All At Once, actually features a shot of the West Pier, with the characters standing on the beach, a tiny moment that inspired the question in the first place after seeing the film last week.

Ready for another round? Here’s this week’s Xmas themed question inspired by the lights being switched on later this week: