Pavilion Gardens Cafe owner speaks of relief as building saved in £35m revamp

A popular cafe owner has spoken of his relief that his family-run business would be protected in the £35 million redevelopment of the Royal Pavilion Gardens.

David Sewell’s family have run the cafe in Brighton’s royal park since the 1940s.

But there were fears that the multi-million pound plans to revamp the open space would mean the building would be demolished.

After thousands of people backed a campaign to save it, Mr Sewell said he has received assurances from officials that the cafe will remain in place – meaning customers can continue to enjoy a natter and a rock cake for years to come.

Mr Sewell told The Latest: “It was something they should never have got themselves in to. I feel it could have all been sorted out with a different approach.”

Brighton Dome and Festival, working with Brighton and Hove City Council, announced plans for a wide revamp of the area last year.

But after no public assurances were given that the cafe would remain, many felt it was only a matter of time before it was earmarked to be demolished.

Thousands backed the campaign to save the family business, forcing officials to backtrack this week (March 17).

When asked how he felt, Mr Sewell said was “tired” and in need of a break.

He said: “it has been very difficult for us and the Friends of the cafe as we have all been fighting this alongside doing our jobs.

“I look forward to working with the bid to make sure the result is in the interests of those that use the gardens and not just those looking at a drawing board.”

The proposal for a masterplan claims the historical area is visited by up to 5 million people a year.

Those behind it added the plans would create 115 jobs, boost visitor numbers by 260,000 and bring millions of pounds into the local economy.

A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been drafted and news is expected in the coming months to discover if the project has moved into the next round.

In a statement, Penny Thompson, the council’s chief executive, said; “I’m delighted we have reached an agreement to work together.

“This project is vital to the heart of the city and needs the input of the Pavilion Gardens Cafe community to help shape a Royal Pavilion Estate for the 21st century.

“We will strive to preserve and recognise the contribution of the 20th century in the form of the cafe buildings and patio which are clearly so precious to so many”

Andrew Comben, CEO, Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival said: “We need to develop the Royal Pavilion Estate, including the café, patio and friends community, as something fantastic and sustainable for the 21st Century.

“I’m delighted we are working together to find productive solutions to some of the challenges currently faced by the estate.”