FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: The Fundraising Team / Commanding Officer Brighton Sea Cadets Email: fundraising@brightonseacadets.org.uk / commandingofficer@brightonseacadets.org.uk
BRIGHTON SEA CADETS LAUNCH URGENT SEARCH FOR NEW HOME TO BUILD "CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE" AHEAD OF 2028 CENTENARY
Brighton Sea Cadets would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the local community, volunteers, and recent key supporters—including the Sussex Freemasons, the Former Mayor and Armed Forces Champion of Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC), the Garfield Weston Foundation, as well as other donors who wish to remain anonymous—for their generous assistance in funding and fixing immediate issues including the access doors at our current unit on Brewer Street. Thanks to this swift response, the unit was temporarily secured for our cadets and volunteers.
The historic building at 43 Brewer Street was generously bequeathed to The Navy League, the predecessor of the Sea Cadet Corps, by the family of Lieutenant Commander Benson in 1938, providing a home from which generations of young people have benefited. We remain immensely grateful for that remarkable act of generosity and to the countless volunteers who have maintained and improved the building over the decades.
Unfortunately, following recent comprehensive inspections, far more severe structural issues have now been identified throughout the premises. The core of the building dates from around 1870, with extensions added over many decades. Recent prolonged heatwaves caused significant movement within the historic structure, opening large gaps through which subsequent storms drove extensive water ingress, further compromising the building's integrity. After careful professional assessment, it has become clear that stabilising, repairing and modernising a 150-year-old building is beyond the financial means of the charity. We must therefore look to secure a new home while honouring the remarkable legacy of Brewer Street.
A Century of Impact & The Next 100 Years
This critical need arises at a pivotal moment in our history. In 2028 Brighton Sea Cadets will celebrate its centenary, marking one hundred years of providing life-changing maritime training, leadership development and adventure to young people across Brighton and Hove. Our impact is reflected not only in the thousands of cadets who have passed through the Unit, but also in notable former cadets such as Dr Rosemary Coogan, who began her leadership journey at Brighton before joining the Royal Naval Reserve and later becoming a European Space Agency astronaut.
Rather than viewing the loss of our historic building as a setback, we see it as a once-in-a-century opportunity. Our ambition is not simply to replace an ageing headquarters, but to establish a Cadet Centre of Excellence for Sussex in Brighton that will serve future generations for the next hundred years. The vision is to create a modern regional facility capable of supporting significantly more cadets, with purpose-designed teaching areas for STEM, First Aid, BTEC as well as Duke of Edinburgh awards, and specialist facilities such as an indoor air rifle range and dedicated RYA navigational, boating and radio training suite. We also envisage the centre being used for training by Sea Cadet Units from across Sussex, as well as sharing with the Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets, while providing a home for Brighton and Hove armed forces veterans, and other community groups, creating a genuine hub for youth development, service and citizenship across Brighton and Sussex.
New Premises Requirements
To realise this vision, Brighton Sea Cadets is seeking an existing building or site that can be refurbished or repurposed into a modern Cadet Centre of Excellence. This could include a former school, community building, commercial premises or other suitable property capable of serving young people across Brighton and Sussex for decades to come.
■ A Main Drill Hall: Minimum dimensions of 15m x 25m for parades, physical activities, and practical exercises. It requires an ideal ceiling height of 7m–8m to accommodate a ceremonial flagpole and overhead rope/rigging training using block and tackle, as well as PT and PT Instructor courses.
■ Dedicated Classrooms: Purpose-built instructional spaces for First Aid, Navigation, and Seamanship qualifications.
■ Safeguarding-Compliant Washrooms: Separate toilet and shower facilities for male and female personnel, with strict separation between cadets and adult volunteers.
■ A Galley: A fully functioning kitchen area to support cadet catering and practical domestic training.
■ Flexible Community Facilities: Multi-purpose spaces capable of supporting joint activities with the Army Cadet Force, RAF Air Cadets, veterans' organisations and local community groups, maximising community benefit from the facility.
■ Administrative & Support Space: Secure offices for unit administration and adequate storage for training equipment and uniforms.
■ Specialised Training Area: A secure, adaptable space that can be utilised as an indoor air rifle range.
■ Parking & Vehicle Access: On-site or adjacent car parking for adult volunteers and dedicated space for the unit minibus.
Meet the Cadets & Support the Appeal
The charity is urgently looking to connect with commercial landlords, property developers, local authorities, or benefactors who can help secure a long-term home in time for the 100th anniversary. Members of the public, local business owners, and supporters are invited to meet the cadets and instructional staff in person to discuss potential premises, learn more about the cadet program, or contribute to the relocation fund. The unit will be hosting information and fundraising pop-up stands at the following locations:
• Asda Brighton Marina: Saturday, 12th September
• Brighton Railway Station: Saturday, 26th September
• Asda Hollingbury: Saturday, 17th October
About Brighton Sea Cadets:
Brighton Sea Cadets is a youth charity aimed at giving young people a great head start in life through nautical adventure and fun, based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. Operating in the local community for nearly 100 years, the unit fosters teamwork, respect, and confidence in future generations. Nearly one hundred years ago, the generosity of one family gave Brighton Sea Cadets a home. Today we are looking for partners who will help create the home that will inspire the next century of young people. ### ENDS ###
