Could you be the next pioneer for Brighton Palace Pier?

Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2. Price on application

Opportunity in the UK’s leisure sector

Rushby heads up Knight Frank’s Specialist Leisure team, which works across a wide spectrum of assets, from conference and live music venues to high-end wellness facilities and visitor attractions. Services include valuations, security reviews, and feasibility studies, with recent projects including Premiership football stadia, marina portfolios, inland surf centres and numerous caravan and lodge parks.

“If you’re an investor looking to diversify, operational real estate can be compelling because it spreads risk and often behaves counter-cyclically. We’ve seen this in the caravan park market: during economic downturns, UK tourism’s value-for-money appeal strengthens,” he explains. “Traditionally, mainstream investment has focused on pubs and hotels, but there’s no reason this shouldn’t extend to more esoteric assets like piers or marinas.”

Marinas illustrate the point well: berthing fees on the South Coast have historically risen 7-12%, far outpacing inflation. “Revenue and rent tied to operational real estate are generally inflation-proof, and can sometimes outperform inflation where demand and barriers to entry are high,” Rushby adds.

A new buyer (and future) for Brighton Palace Pier

As with other leisure assets, success depends on the right advice, as well as strong management. “You need a team that understands food and beverage, rides, branding, and leisure - and there aren’t many who can do all that. Fortunately, Brighton Palace Pier’s experienced management team is happy to stay on," he says.

“The challenge for its next owner will be balancing innovation with tradition, ensuring this beloved landmark thrives for another century.”

To get in touch with our Private Office please email privateoffice@knightfrank.com