Brighton is dramatically expanding its events product as a series of refurbishments and new venues open in the city,
 
A succession of new event spaces and venues have opened in recent months or are set to open in 2012, making Brighton more attractive than ever to event planners, corporates and associations. Developments range from hotels and universities, to unique venues and completely new structures, all of which will bring more delegates to the already popular city.
 
The Hilton Brighton Metropole will have completed its bedroom refurbishment by the end of 2011, resulting in 140 renovated rooms encompassing the whole front section of the hotel. All rooms, from Suites, Deluxe Plus rooms with panoramic sea views and Hilton Guestrooms, will be renovated in red and gold tones to match the Victorian decor of the hotel.  The hotel will also expand its events spaces with the creation of the Park Suites and an additional three syndicate spaces, allowing events to be held in a separate, self contained area. The total renovation at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, including continuation of the external renovation, amounts to £4million in 2011 alone.
 
Earlier this year, The Grand Brighton completed a £300,000 refurbishment of its largest events space, the Empress Suite. The development included new fittings and furniture, upgraded lighting, new window dressings and soundproofing partitions. The suite, which can be sub-divided into four sections, can cater for up to 800 and has been hugely popular since its re-design.
 
One of Brighton’s most iconic Regency boutique hotels, Blanch House, has recently opened after an extensive refurbishment programme and it is now under new ownership. The Grade II Listed property is suitable for conferences, training and private dining for up to 40 delegates in the new Belle Époque suite. Hotel du Vin has invested £150,000 in its 49 bedrooms, including adding state of the art iPod docking stations, designer coffee machines and under floor heating in the bathrooms.
 
Also this year Brighton’s iconic concert, conference and events venue, Brighton Dome, completed a £200,000 refurbishment of its Foyer and Mezzanine bar. The revamped Foyer is available for private hire for up to 800 delegates for drinks receptions, networking and presentations.
 
The University of Sussex recently opened a new 250 seat restaurant, coffee bar and food court in Bramber House which has proved popular with conference visitors.  In 2012 the University is set to open a new 500 seat lecture theatre suitable for conferences, presentations and product launches, and 250 additional ensuite bedrooms will be newly available for summer conferences. Next year also sees The Sea Life Centre’s refurbishment of its Victorian architecture, educational facilities, admissions area and two newly created exhibitions – the Jelly Disco and a behind the scenes tour. Part of the venue’s 140th birthday celebrations next year, the venue plans for the new exhibitions to be made available for drinks receptions or as part of delegates’ social itineraries whilst in the city.
 
The most anticipated development in the city is the continued investment in the Brighton Centre. One of the largest purpose built conference and exhibition spaces in the south of England, the beachfront venue is currently undertaking an extensive redevelopment of all facilities. Due to re-launch early 2012, the venue will include a new glass façade, extended foyer area, modernised interiors, and a superb meeting space with panoramic views of the famous seafront.
 
And if that wasn’t enough, the city skyline has been transformed by the Brighton Wheel, which opened in October. The £6million seafront attraction is expected to bring in 250,000 visitors per year, including delegates who can take advantage of the VIP pod for events or entertainment as part of a residential conference.
 
Julia Gallagher, VisitBrighton Convention Bureau Manager, comments: “Brighton has always offered a great diversity of venues to delegates coming into the city, and we are very proud of its constant reinvention and evolution. Investment in the city on this scale and frequency enables us to continually enhance the delegate experience. We are delighted to add additional and newly refurbished venues to our portfolio and hope corporates and buyers enjoy new experiences of the city within them”.