Brighton Artists Protest As Council Agrees To Sell Arts Club Building

Artists gathered outside Hove Town Hall on Thursday to protest plans by Brighton and Hove City Council to sell the building that houses the Sussex County Arts Club in the city centre.

Members and supporters held banners urging councillors to protect the club’s long-term future at its Bond Street base, where artists have met since 1944.

During the cabinet meeting, the club’s secretary Pippa Burley asked councillors to ensure any agreement reached with the council would bind future buyers and protect the venue from eviction or unaffordable rent increases.

Labour deputy council leader Jacob Taylor apologised for a lack of communication with the club and confirmed that talks will begin soon about a possible longer lease or legal protections such as covenants.

“The last thing we want is to risk the future of the arts club,” Cllr Taylor said.

“Brighton and Hove’s creative sector is what makes our city special.”

The proposed sale is part of a wider council plan to raise £50 million by 2030 through selling and leasing underused properties to help fund temporary housing.

The Bond Street site is one of nine buildings identified for sale.

Green councillor Ellen McLeay, who represents West Hill and North Laine, praised the arts club for running around 500 affordable classes each year, but criticised the sell-off plan.

“Raising capital through asset sales to support housing is important,” she said, “but selling off the family silver isn’t the answer.

"We should be demanding proper funding instead of privatising our city’s assets.”