Community spaces are meant to bring people together – but too often, facilities cater mainly to one age group, leaving others without something that truly speaks to them. From village hall activities for older residents to playground swings for young families, those in between can often miss out.
The Hove Beach Park project changes that. Designed to offer something for everyone, it combines a vibrant mix of free or affordable activities, ensuring accessibility for all. From the skate park and BMX pump track to tennis and padel courts, a bowls club, and accessible ramps and pathways, the completed scheme serves the entire promenade. People of all ages and all budgets can get involved, making this project stand out as a true community hub.
Procured through the Brighton & Hove City Council City Build Partnership, our team has transformed 40,000m² of space into a thriving leisure destination. Highlights include a 600m² roller area, a brand-new skate park, and a 145m BMX pump track delivered in collaboration with skatepark specialists Maverick Industries and Velosolutions. The project also features a café with terrace, public toilets, changing facilities, and a new home for the Bowls Club.
To deliver this project where community lies at the very heart, we created our own community along the way, collaborating with Brighton & Hove City Council Architects, Untitled Practice Landscape design firm, HOP consulting, Potter Raper consulting, and more.
Building More Than Facilities
While the end result is exceptional, we’re just as proud of the positive impact created during construction. At Morgan Sindall, we’re committed to delivering real social value in the communities where we work.
At Hove Beach Park, we welcomed three work placement students and 17 apprentices to gain hands-on site experience, helping the next generation of construction professionals develop their skills. We also hosted site visits for Constructing Excellence, HOP graduates, and Functional Skills UK, offering an inside look at what a career in construction involves.
Supporting the local economy was also a key priority. We partnered with local businesses including The Shore Group, Panthera, Southern Structures, and MGP Steel – hiring operatives from within 40 miles of the site. This approach generated £3.1M in contracts for local suppliers and operatives, directly contributing to the Hove economy and ensuring the community played an active role in a project that’s right on their doorstep.
We were also involved in local initiatives, from attending the BHCC Jobs Fair and Apprentice Awards to visiting careers days at Cardinal Newman College and BHASVIC. Alongside this, we contributed to community causes, donating to the Bowls Club, Gardner, Lex’s Café, a local fishmonger, and memorial benches.
What the Project Means to the Community
What truly sets Hove Beach Park apart is its commitment to free sports facilities for everyone. In a time when so many young people are glued to their screens, these spaces couldn’t be more important.
The skate park and pump track are high-quality, inspiring spaces that encourage young people to learn new skills, stay active, and have fun with friends – without the barrier of entry fees. In today’s cost-of-living crisis, when even leaving the house can feel expensive, this project champions the belief that everyone should have the chance to get outside, get moving, and enjoy themselves at no cost. Supporting this is key to helping local families thrive.
While the tennis and padel courts require booking and a small fee, they provide another fantastic opportunity for locals to discover a new sport, stay active, and connect with others, with options to suit every budget. For further information on how to book, visit Game4Padel.com.
Sustainability
As part of Morgan Sindall Group, we hold a AAA Morgan Stanley Capital International ESG rating for the fourth consecutive year and an A rating for CDP Climate for the fifth year, both the highest possible ratings of their ranks. This is testament to our commitment to sustainability that shines through each of the projects we take on.
And our Just Transition Plan explains how we’ll reach our near-term science-based goals, cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% and Scope 3 emissions by 42% by 2030. It also shows our plan to achieve a 90% reduction across all emissions by 2045.
Hove Beach Park contributed to our goals by achieving a saving of 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) – the same as heating nine homes for a year.
One major contributor to this saving was our use of cold asphalt for pedestrian pavements. Produced at lower temperatures, it requires less energy to manufacture, reducing the project’s carbon footprint. We also partnered with Community Wood Recycling, diverting 10 tonnes of wood waste for reuse or recycling – a move that not only saved resources but created local jobs, earning us a 10 Tonnes Achievement Award.
To ensure the new park is as rich in nature as it is in activity, we’ve boosted local biodiversity by planting wildflowers and introducing chalkland plants into the city. The result is a vibrant, colourful landscape that blends the natural environment seamlessly with exceptional community facilities.
Final thoughts
Hove Beach Park is more than a construction project, it’s a living, breathing space that celebrates community, activity, and sustainability. From free, high-quality sports facilities that open opportunities for all, to paid options that suit every budget, it offers something for every age and ability. The project has not only transformed the seafront with exceptional new amenities but has also delivered real social value – creating jobs, training the next generation, and supporting local businesses along the way.
By exceeding carbon reduction targets, boosting local biodiversity, and partnering with community-focused organisations, we’ve ensured the park is as environmentally responsible as it is enjoyable. The result is a vibrant, inclusive hub where people can connect, stay active, and make memories. A place that will serve Brighton and Hove for generations to come.