Greater Brighton ‘City Deal’ signed by ministers

A deal to invest more than £170 million in the Greater Brighton city region was signed this morning (Tuesday 11 March).

The City Deal is intended to mark the start of a commitment by the government to invest in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area.

It is also intended to build on emerging local success stories such as Brighton’s creative-tech cluster of businesses.

The sector has grown from nothing to more than 1,500 firms since the turn of the millennium and is regarded as a rival to “Tech City” in east London.

The Greater Brighton City Deal includes plans to spend £24.5 million on a makeover of New England House, near Preston Circus.

The building will be refurbished and extended with broadband speeds expected to rise significantly.

Cities Minister Greg Clark, a Conservative member of the coalition government, visited the offices of Wired Sussex in New England House this morning to sign the City Deal in person.

The Greater Brighton City Deal was signed by ministers, council leaders and representatives of the education and business sectors

The agreement had already been signed by the Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Others signing the City Deal included Brighton and Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat and his counterparts in Lewes, Mid Sussex, Adur and Worthing.

Brighton University and Sussex University both signed the deal along with John Peel, the chairman of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, representing the business sector.

Mr Peel congratulated the politicians for reaching out beyond their boundaries and rising above party differences to work together in the public good.

Mr Peel said: “This is excellent news for the people and businesses of the Greater Brighton area.

“The City Deal is likely to significantly increase confidence among those currently considering investment in the area and provide exceptional opportunities for future growth.

“It is a fine example of how partnerships between the public and private sectors can make a significant difference to the future prosperity of an area.”

Councillor Kitcat said: “People do not recognise boundaries. That’s not to ignore all the unique areas.

“This is an over-arching partnership and other areas will continue with their distinctiveness.

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“Today is not the end. For me this is just the beginning of a great opportunity for local government.”

He said that it would mean more powers being devolved from the government to the Greater Brighton city region.

He added: “Many other countries have done this and created greater city regions and this will mean real change in our areas.

“The ambition and commitment which have brought City Deal to fruition will also mean we can bring more jobs and better housing, better infrastructure and a more vibrant regional long-term economy.”