Seagulls increase focus on economic partnerships

From left: Chris Coopey from Carpenter Box, Rob Fawcett from Bennet Griffin, Martin Perry from Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Scott Marshall from Marshall Regen and Steve Berrett from Michael Jones. Picture: Harvest PR

Brighton and Hove Albion FC are investing heavily in their partnerships who have helped give the club economic growth.

The power of positive private-public partnerships was underlined by the club’s executive director, Martin Perry in a recent meeting of The Sussex Property Alliance.

Mr Perry praised the support of the council in bringing the vision of the club’s training ground to life and helping the Seagulls create the AMEX Stadium.

“Moving to the AMEX was a ten year process and was a great example of how private-public sector partnerships can succeed.” said Mr Perry.

He added: “Since our move, we have created 1,000 full time equivalent jobs, contributed £38m to the local economy and entertained 3 million spectators in the first five years. In addition, it’s estimated that last year’s Rugby World Cup games at the Amex alone generated £46m for the city.”

Mr Perry said the council ‘immediately recognised’ the economic and social benefits of the training centre at Lancing and made it a ‘strategic priority’.