The Sussex And The City podcast

– Episode #43

Inside Brighton's Fight For The Future High Street

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Gavin Stewart – Chief Executive, Brilliant Brighton BID / Executive Director, Brighton Economic Growth Board

🔍 Episode summary

Brighton and Hove has always had a complicated relationship with its own story. To some, it is one of the UK's most creative, entrepreneurial and culturally alive cities. To others, it is a place under pressure from rising rents, empty shops, homelessness, graffiti, changing consumer habits and a fragile public realm.

In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Gavin Stewart, Chief Executive of Brilliant Brighton (Business Improvement District) and Executive Director of the Brighton & Hove Economic Growth Board, about what is really happening in the city centre economy.

Gavin explains the role of the Business Improvement District, how businesses collectively fund projects such as Christmas lights, street dressing, security ambassadors and support for local traders, and why Brighton's high street story is more nuanced than the familiar 'UK city in decline' narrative.

The conversation explores vacancy rates, independent retail, landlords, inward investment, tourism, the changing purpose of the high street, and what Brighton needs to do if it wants to remain distinctive, resilient and economically important.

As Sussex moves towards devolution and a future mayoral authority, Brighton's role becomes even more significant. Is it the region's economic engine, its cultural shop window, its tourism magnet or something more complex? And how can Brighton's success create a ripple effect across the wider Sussex economy?

This is a conversation about high streets, but also about confidence, identity, partnership, investment and what kind of city Brighton & Hove wants to become.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Brighton Hive.

Brighton Hive is a growing community built on the idea that business works better when it behaves a bit more like nature.

Founded by Kyriakos Baxevanis, the award-winning entrepreneur and former Sussex and the City podcast guest, Brighton Hive brings together people, organisations and purpose-led brands to create something more connected, more human and more useful than going it alone.

Inspired by how a natural hive functions, it is about everyone playing a part, sharing skills, supporting each other and building something bigger than any single business.

Rooted in Brighton and focused on food, wellbeing and community, the Hive is already home to ventures including Nostos Greek Restaurant, Little Jasmine Spa and Be Well Live Well.

Find out more at brightonhive.co.uk

🎯 In this episode

Why Brighton's city centre story is more complicated than "boom" or "decline" What a Business Improvement District actually does How Brighton businesses collectively invest in the city centre experience Why Brighton's retail vacancy rate is lower than many people assume How independent shops help shape the city's distinct identity Why landlords are such a powerful but under-discussed force in high street change What inward investment could look like for Brighton and Hove How tourism, retail, housing, schools, culture and lifestyle all shape the local economy Why devolution could change how Brighton works with the rest of Sussex What a future Sussex mayor should understand about Brighton's economic role

🧠 Key themes

Brighton is not collapsing, but it is under pressure. The city centre still performs strongly in many areas, but rising costs, changing shopping habits and public realm challenges are affecting confidence.

Independent businesses remain central to Brighton's identity. The city's character depends on small, creative and distinctive traders, particularly in areas such as the North Laine and The Lanes.

Vacancy rates only tell part of the story. Empty units are visible and send a negative signal, even when the data shows Brighton performing better than the national average.

Landlords have a major influence over the future of the high street. Rent levels, lease terms and the willingness to back more experimental uses all shape what kind of city centre can emerge.

The high street needs to become more than retail. Culture, leisure, circular economy, repair, food, events, social infrastructure and public experience all matter.

Devolution could help Brighton make a stronger case for investment, but only if the city works in genuine partnership with the rest of Sussex rather than behaving like the whole region revolves around it.

💬 What Gavin says

"We've got one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country."

"We all believe in the city so much, and we all really want it to succeed."

"We're not a cookie-cutter type place."

"It's a market, and there's very little we can do to curb those businesses opening up."

"Our success is a partnership."

"The diversity of that group is absolutely its strength."

"There is an opportunity for much more leisure usage of the high street."

"I'm a big believer in working together. I'm a big believer in this region."

You might enjoy our podcast investigation into the first 20 years of Brighton & Hove as a city

THE BRIGHTON PARADOX

🎧 Sussex And The City production credits

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Gavin Stewart Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue

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