Brighton Marina, Brighton

Brighton Marina, located in Brighton, is a man-made marina that serves as both a working harbor and a residential area, with a wide range of leisure, retail, and commercial facilities. The marina, which spans about 127 acres (0.51 square kilometers), was constructed between 1971 and 1979, with ongoing developments continuing to shape the area.

The original architectural design of the marina was conceived by David Hodges of the Louis de Soissons Partnership. Construction began in 1971, and the marina was partially operational by 1978, with an official opening ceremony conducted by Queen Elizabeth II on May 31, 1979. The initial funding for the project came from the National Westminster Bank, the Electricity Supply Pension Fund, and Royal Insurance.

The marina briefly hosted a SeaJet service between 1979 and 1980, offering trips to Dieppe, France, using Boeing Jetfoils. However, the service faced challenges such as poor reliability of the Jetfoils, restrictions due to wave height in the channel, and disruptions caused by the French fishermen's blockade.

From 2003 to 2010, Brighton Marina was the venue for "The Big Splash," an annual weekend event featuring street performers, fireworks, and water-themed entertainment that coincided with the final days of the Brighton Festival.

Currently operated by Premier Marinas, Brighton Marina offers 1,600 berths and various supporting services, including a boatyard and a fuel berth. The marina also hosts a range of commercial operators providing boat sales, equipment shops, and boat trips, making it a vibrant hub for maritime and recreational activities in the region.