Beacon Hub Brighton 3.11

Beacon Hub Brighton is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Reg. Charity No. 1159583, which exists to develop a conservation education centre and to extend the Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve. The reserve runs adjacent to the villages of Rottingdean and Ovingdean and within the boundary of the South Downs National Park. It is supported by Friends of Beacon Hill, a constituted group of enthusiastic local volunteers, working to maintain and promote the nature reserve

On the southern edge of the nature reserve is an 18 hole pitch and putt golf course which has fallen into disuse after it became uneconomic for the former lease holder to sustain as a viable business. The land belongs to Brighton & Hove City Council. In the north east corner of the golf course is a building which has previously been used as a café, toilets and golf kiosk.

Beacon Hub Brighton has proposed to the council that it take over the lease and that the land be absorbed as a contiguous part of the nature reserve. It also proposes that the existing building be redeveloped into a 'hub' for community and educational use in relation to the ecology of the nature reserve and neighbouring beach which is a newly designated Marine Conservation Zone . Beacon Hub Brighton intends to create a classroom/exhibition space/venue/refreshment kiosk to generate income.

We believe that the location offers a natural gateway into the South Downs National Park and potentially, a focal point and centre of excellence for the local (UNESCO) Biosphere initiative. At just a short bus ride from central Brighton, Beacon Hub Brighton will offer a unique opportunity for city dwellers of all ages to engage with and learn about the special chalk grassland and chalk reef environments and their wildlife.