of these buildings - this is a delicate
juggling act.
We believe there are ways in which this
estate can become even more of a focal
point for the entire city, the destination
that draws people to Brighton itself, and
then to all of its wider assets, and that
allows people a way into the arts, and
culture and heritage, that they wouldn’t
otherwise have. We, I think, have an
extraordinary set of natural assets
in the sense that this place is in the
middle of an incredibly bustling, diverse,
energetic and young city. So we have the
opportunity to get new people engaged
with these.
How and why is the Royal Pavilion
Estate at risk?
We urgently need to tackle the problems
that come with Grade-1 listed buildings
to arrest the decline in some areas of
the estate. There is a real and immediate
need to repair the roofs of the Corn
Exchange and of Brighton Museum and
Art Gallery, and to restore the fabric
of many parts of the Royal Pavilion to
ensure it can withstand an increase in
visitor numbers and the volume of traffic
that is already beyond what it was ever
designed for.
There is a real risk to the external
part of the estates too, namely to
the gardens themselves. By virtue of
the gardens being in the middle of a
58
bustling, energetic and youthful city, they
encounter treatment and behaviour that
is to their detriment. I also believe there
is an even more pressing need to make
sure the organisations that run the estate
are sustainable and have a financially
secure future.
We exist in a climate of threat to public
subsidy; an economic climate where it
is more and more difficult for cultural
organisations and institutions to exist.
That means we need to be even more
compelling in our fundraising, and
we believe that together we have an
extraordinary offer that is unlike any
other in the country.
We believe that - with the two
organisations working more cleverly
together - there are ways to save
money and create an offer that is more
financially viable - a compelling offer,
something irresistible to experience.
What will happen if we don’t do
anything?
If we don’t pursue this project we are
storing up even larger problems for the