Seagulls increase focus on economic partnerships

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’.

The centre is home to all teams – from academy and women’s teams through to the first team – and is a community resource used by 83 local clubs and 33 schools and the executive director said it has created 100 full time equivalent jobs and added £3m to the local economy.

Due to the ‘collaborative approach’ of the council, Mr Perry said it is hoped this will result in a mixed commercial and residential development on land adjacent to the training centre which will provide both jobs and housing.

He said: “Together, we are working on a scheme that will create employment, 600 homes, a country park and infrastructure improvements. This type of positive partnership activity creates value for the council, the community and helps to drive the football club forward as we target a place in the Premier League.”

The Sussex Property Alliance, which is supported by Carpenter Box chartered accountants, Michael Jones commercial agency, and Bennett Griffin solicitors, also heard from Scott Marshall, of Marshall Regen, who works closely with the football club on its development activities.

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