Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott only had to look in his own backyard to appreciate the benefits to a community of a modern, multi-purpose stadium.

The football club in his Hull constituency has taken off since moving home three years ago.

Former Albion manager Peter Taylor knows from first hand experience the difference Falmer will make to the Seagulls.

Taylor's main reason for quitting after guiding the club to promotion in 2001-02 was the prospect of being stuck for years at Withdean.

The England under-21 coach swapped state of the ark at Albion's temporary home for state of the art when he upped sticks to Humberside.

In February 2001 Hull were on their knees. Just like Albion eight years earlier, they faced a winding up order for money owed to the Inland Revenue.

They had even been locked out of their old ground, Boothferry Park, by chairman at the time David Lloyd, the former Davis Cup tennis player and health club entrepreneur.

A month later they went into administration and Adam Pearson, former commercial director of Leeds United, became the club's new owner.

In December 2002, Hull moved into their new £43.5 million KC Stadium, built in a park with funds raised from the flotation of Kingston Upon Hull City Council's own telecommunications company.

The 25,000 seat arena, shared by rugby league neighbours Hull FC, has transformed the city into an area renowned for sporting and cultural excellence.

It has staged England under-21 internationals, rugby league internationals and pop concerts.

Taylor has capitalised on the feelgood factor, steering Hull to successive promotions.

They now play alongside Albion in the Championship and have already beaten the Seagulls in their impressively appointed stadium.

"The stadium has been incredible for the city," Taylor said. "The nice thing is it attracts families who have been in their thousands to watch Elton John and Bryan Adams in concert.

"Brighton can only go so far at Withdean. With a new stadium it too can be on the map every week."