Brighton Council has developed an Activity Centre Strategy to support planning, economic development, and investment in response to the area's rapid population growth.
What are Activity Centres?
They are community hubs where people shop, work, socialise, and access essential services like healthcare, education, and government facilities—examples include Green Point, Cove Hill, and Brighton Road.
Why do we need a Strategy?
With significant population growth and shifting demographics—including more young families, professionals, and retirees—there is a growing demand for improved services, infrastructure, and amenities. The strategy will ensure that Brighton’s activity centres remain vibrant, accessible, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of the community and local businesses.
Ultimately, the strategy will provide a long-term framework for the development and success of Brighton’s key centres.
What we heard?
Phase 1 consultation tasks included online surveys targeted at the broader community and key industry stakeholders, a civic lottery (randomised letter invitations) to participate in the consultation activities and pop-up listening hubs at three key established centres.
Key themes for each of our activity centres were:
- Brighton Road is the most valued centre, praised for its convenience and strong sense of community. Community feedback also highlighted a desire for more retail diversity, additional car parking, improved community services, more food options, and better parks and public spaces.
- Cove Hill is appreciated for its accessibility and retail options, but the community sees a need for more diverse shops, better landscaping, and additional public amenities to improve its appeal and usability.
- Green Point is valued for its convenience and access to essential services, but concerns about safety and anti-social behaviour were common. The community called for more retail options, improved amenities, and enhanced security to create a better atmosphere.
- Old Beach is appreciated for its foreshore walk and local wildlife, but residents want more retail and food options close to homes, along with improved park facilities to support longer visits.
- Old Main Road (Bridgewater), while receiving minimal input, indicated support for more commercial options, improved public transport, and better integration of residential and commercial spaces.
- Gagebrook/ Herdsmans Cove and Pontville has less feedback, but pointed to the need for improved commercial offerings and better infrastructure, particularly in terms of footpaths and lighting.
2nd Round Consultation
At its meeting of the 19th March 2025, Council endorsed the draft Activity Centre Strategy for a second round of community consultation. The consultation period ran from 11 April to 5 May 2025.
Council received seven written submissions. None of those submission raised matters that warranted significant changes to the draft Strategy.
Final Endorsement
Council endorsed the final Activity Centre Strategy and Background Report at its meeting of the 15th July. Only minor changes were made as a result of submissions received.
The final Activity Centre Strategy can be accessed via the link below.
Brighton Activity Centre Strategy.pdf
Please contact Council if there are issues downloading the file.
