Black Rock, Brighton Seafront

From derelict to destination through landscape design
Location
Brighton, England
Client
Brighton & Hove City Council

Transforming Brighton's Black Rock

LUC, commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council, led the landscape design for the Black Rock regeneration project.

This ambitious scheme transformed a long-derelict area of Brighton seafront into a thriving ecological and community space.

Black Rock Brighton seafront boardwalk and beachworks

A sustainable blueprint for the coast’s future

The Black Rock regeneration project sets a new standard for sustainable coastal development.

LUC's design creates a nationally significant eco-friendly environment that seamlessly blends improved accessibility with heritage preservation and nature conservation.

This innovative approach demonstrates the power of design to transform neglected spaces into vibrant destinations that benefit both the community and the environment.

A person in a white shirt and hat walks along a boardwalk next to a beach and grassy hill.
A wooden bench on a boardwalk overlooks a pebble beach and the sea.

A unique ecological oasis

LUC's design for the Black Rock seafront includes a unique 1.5-hectare wildlife haven. This vegetated shingle habitat, stretching along the entire 1-kilometre beachfront, serves a dual purpose.

Not only does it provide a much-needed sanctuary for wildlife, but it also acts as ecological mitigation for future Black Rock development.

Over 1,200 plants, propagated with Kew Gardens, were chosen to thrive in this environment, creating a beautiful and biodiverse addition to Brighton's coastline.

A paved area with benches and bicycles, with a beach and sea in the background.
A person jogs along a boardwalk on a pebble beach under a clear sky.

Sustainable boardwalk

LUC's design prioritised accessibility with an 800m boardwalk made from 220 tonnes of upcycled plastic.

This sustainable solution offers a safe, scenic route for pedestrians, taking them directly to the beach and away from traffic.

An aerial view of a sandy beach with a small building, a boardwalk, and a road with vehicles.

Restoring a local landmark

LUC also revitalised Black Rock's heritage by restoring the derelict Grade II Reading Room. This historic building is now a welcoming cafe with beautiful outdoor spaces.

The seamless link between the Reading Room and the beach creates a vibrant destination for the community.

A white building with "READING ROOM" written on it, with people sitting outside at tables and on benches.

A model for the future

The Black Rock regeneration project is a groundbreaking initiative that showcases the power of design to transform neglected spaces. LUC's work on the project demonstrates expertise in ecological habitat creation, sustainable construction methods, and sensitive heritage restoration.

By combining these elements, the Black Rock regeneration project sets a new standard for coastal development, creating a space that is not only beautiful and accessible but also ecologically sound.

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