Reaction to £750 Rockwater Hove membership

The owner of the Hove seafront venue, Luke Davis, says the card “simply offers priority access to specific events” and is to ensure locals are prioritised over “out of towners”.

He said that no area of the building will be off-limits for people without the card and insisted cardholders will not be given priority to the roof terrace or the main building, known as the lodge.

Rockwater owner Luke Davis

He said that no area of the building will be off-limits for people without the card and insisted cardholders will not be given priority to the roof terrace or the main building, known as the lodge.

However, the move has proved controversial with some residents fearing the venue would become “rich on the roof, poor on the pebbles”.

Argus readers were asked what they thought of the “residence card”.

Some said the card “isn’t harming anyone”. Others claim the membership will make the venue “somewhat elitist”.

One reader said: “For those that supported the application to the council in favour of Rockwater this is like a slap in the face. Not community minded at all to suggest a membership.”

READ MORE: Rockwater Hove owner responds to membership card criticism

Brighton and Hove City councillors went against advice and granted planning permission for the seafront venue’s roof extension earlier this year.

Westbourne ward’s Labour councillors Carmen Appich and Chris Henry spoke in support of the scheme which had 588 letters backing it.

Conservative councillor Joe Miller said the scheme’s level of support was “unprecedented” and praised Mr Davis’s public relations campaign.

Rockwater Hove

Conservative councillor Joe Miller said the scheme’s level of support was “unprecedented” and praised Mr Davis’s public relations campaign.

But another reader said: “Really bad idea, really upset me. I’ve supported this venue through all its permissions.

“I will still go but it taints it as we are in Covid times, money is tight and it’s the residents who have supported them.”

Mr Davis said the “residence card” offers priority access to specific events, such as film screenings, supper clubs, business networking events, intimate gigs with international recording artists and a chance to be part of “unique experiences such as our podcast series”.

One reader said: “No one is forcing you to buy a membership. It’s not elitist, the guy is running a business.

“Having grown up in the area the place has always been awful and a poor location.

“We now have someone willing to invest money to make it a great option for the locals to enjoy.”

“I don't think it's a bad business idea,” said another.

READ MORE: Rockwater Hove owner responds to membership card criticism

“It isn't harming anyone, or singling anyone out.. if people want to pay for perks then it's up to them really.”

When applying for a residence card, a potential buyer is asked a several questions. These include whether you live nearby and what you do for work.

The applications will then be screened.

One reader said: “Not everyone can afford that sort of money and also what about visitors to the area?

“It was proposed as a place for the community but now it is making it somewhat elitist.”