The potential sale of Brighton Palace Pier has prompted calls for Brighton and Hove City Council to step in and purchase one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, framing the moment as a rare opportunity to secure long-term benefits for residents.
Martin Webb, independent candidate for Sussex mayor, has described the sale as a “once-in-a-generation” chance for the city to take control of one of its most loved—and consistently profitable—assets. He argues that public ownership of the pier would allow profits to be reinvested directly into Brighton and Hove, helping to fund vital local services for decades to come.
Unlike other high-profile regeneration projects that have struggled to deliver value, Webb points out that Brighton Palace Pier has more than a century of proven trading history. It is a reliable commercial success, generating steady income year after year. In his view, this makes it a far safer and more sensible investment than many recent council-backed schemes.
Webb estimates that a realistic purchase price could be in the region of £14 million—an amount he notes is comparable to what the council is currently spending on the controversial road works at Old Steine. He suggests that buying the pier would not only represent stronger commercial sense, but would also be far more positively received by residents.
Any acquisition, Webb stresses, would need to be handled properly. Public ownership should not mean stagnation. Instead, he envisions a pier that becomes “more Brighton”: more creative, more distinctive, and more reflective of the city’s unique cultural character. With the depth of local talent available, he believes the pier could be enhanced into a world-class attraction while remaining authentic and locally rooted.
The proposal hinges on political will. Webb argues that, if the council chose to act with ambition and vision, the necessary funding could be found. Managed well, he believes the pier could deliver excellent long-term financial returns, strengthen the city’s finances, and secure the future of a treasured landmark.
Above all, the idea is about ownership and control. Bringing Brighton Palace Pier into public hands would mean it becomes “our pier”—run in the interests of the people of Brighton and Hove, shaped by local priorities, and preserved for future generations.
