Local councillors have approved a Brighton fan zone at Amex Stadium.
The application went before a Brighton & Hove City Council Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 6, and was unanimously backed.
And the fan zone is unanimously approved #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
— Sarah Booker-Lewis B&H local democracy reporter (@BHDemocracyNews) March 6, 2024
Fan zone to be introduced for Brighton fans
Included in the plans is a two-storey event area, serving food and drink, with extra space for toilets, shops, and storage.
There are currently kiosks close to the railway line at the Amex Stadium, but the new construction will eventually replace them.
Dick’s Bar, a popular pre-match venue located in the North Stand, will remain open and be incorporated into the new fan zone.
Labour councillor Jacob Allen said: “It’s increasingly an element incorporated in design. Fans can spend time before and after matches that isn’t just piling on trains and into local pubs.
“There’s one in Falmer village that gets quite busy only during match days.”
Concerns over Brighton fans zone raised by councillors
There were concerns raised about these plans, including one by Independent councilor Mark Earthey, who questioned whether more people, especially those without tickets, would be attracted to the fan zone.
Earthey was told that the fan zone was not expected to bring people without tickets, and would be used as a destination primarily for fans with tickets.
Labour councillor Julie Cattell also enquired about a proposed green wall. She was told this would be covered by a planning condition.
Finally, noise concerns for students at the University of Sussex was raised. However, Labour councillor Paul Nann, who works at the University, argued that he didn’t think students would complain.