Brighton & Hove opens £750k neighbourhood fund — LGBTQ+ communities invited to submit ideas

Brighton & Hove City Council is asking residents to help decide how nearly £750,000 should be spent improving neighbourhoods across the city — and LGBTQ+ communities are being encouraged to put forward ideas that would benefit queer residents.

The funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), collected from certain new developments. Every ward has at least £22,000 available, with some areas receiving far more due to recent building activity. Among the highest allocations are Westdene & Hove Park (£90,898), Rottingdean & West Saltdean (£87,110) and Wish (£76,125).

What the council wants ideas for

In this stage, the council is looking for proposals that would improve council-run or council-owned spaces, services or infrastructure. Residents can suggest upgrades to existing facilities or pitch something completely new. Examples include street art and murals, community allotments, accessibility improvements or local safety measures such as defibrillators.

Submitting ideas is open to everyone: simply log in to the consultation platform, drop a pin on the map, and complete the short form. There’s no limit to how many ideas each person can submit.

Voluntary, community and faith groups using council-owned facilities can also apply, but must upload an additional form as part of their submission.

Not sure what your idea might cost?

The council has released a guide with indicative prices for common neighbourhood projects, giving residents a sense of what’s possible within their ward budgets. Examples include:

• LGBTQ+ street markings at an existing crossing — £12,500
• New mural on an existing building — £10,000
• Outdoor gym (up to 5 pieces) — £20,000
• Multi-use games area — £75,000
• Disabled toilet in a council building — £20,000
• Community allotment shed & industrial mower — £7,500
• CCTV to deter antisocial behaviour — £15,000

If your idea isn’t listed or you don’t know the cost, the council will review it and advise if more information is needed.

Why this matters for LGBTQ+ communities

Brighton & Hove is home to one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ populations, yet queer-focused spaces, safety improvements and community facilities often rely on limited or uncertain funding. This scheme gives LGBTQ+ residents and groups a direct say in shaping the neighbourhoods they live, work and socialise in.

Potential ideas could include inclusive public spaces, rainbow-themed crossings, accessibility upgrades for queer venues using council-owned property, wellbeing programmes, safer-streets initiatives or creative projects celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.

The deadline for submissions is 14 December.

To explore existing suggestions and submit your own, visit the council’s online consultation platform.

If you’re part of Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ community and have ideas that could make your area safer, more inclusive or more vibrant, now is the moment to speak up.