New temp beach huts for renting

Eleven new beach huts will be available for hiring in Hove, near the Peace Statue, from Monday. The huts are under construction for Kairos - a boutique events agency - and will be rented out online through the summer until September. Their installation has been authorised by Brighton & Hove Council with an events licence, but Kairos has also put in a three year planning application so as to be able to continue the project for two more summers after this one.  

In the council planning documents, Kairos explains that a total of eleven beach huts will be installed along the concrete promenade adjacent to Hove Lawns - in ‘a currently underutilised section of the seafront’. They will be designed to complement the existing architectural character of the seafront, and will not impact any heritage or listed buildings. Moreover, they will follow the established design and colour schemes of the current beach huts. ‘These additions aim to enhance the vibrancy of Hove seafront by increasing footfall and providing new opportunities for both local residents and businesses to enjoy and engage with the beach hut experience.’

Kairos envisages close collaboration with the nearby cafe (see also The Meeting Place progress). For example, it says, ‘guests will have the convenience of ordering coffee and other beverages directly to their huts via a dedicated mobile app, creating a seamless and enjoyable seafront experience that supports local business and promotes visitor engagement.’ Furthermore, ‘collaboration with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club will aim to deliver a range of seasonal activities aimed at engaging the local community. This partnership will include structured coaching sessions, skills workshops, and inclusive sporting events designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and community involvement.’

Under the events licence, the beach huts are intended to remain in place for an initial period of five months, but the new planning permission application is for a duration of 36 months ‘to allow flexibility in extending the initiative’ - i.e. installing the huts for five months in each of the next two years. To date, the planning application has attracted one online comment, from a ‘neighbour’. He/she states: ‘The views from Grade I listed buildings in Brunswick Square and Terrace are affected. Furthermore, the height of the huts seem not to be as per existing beach huts with these new huts appearing to be considerably taller than all other beach huts and the specifications for those huts clearly defined and contrary to this application.’