It might surprise you to learn that Brighton's marina is the largest in the UK with over 1,600 yachting berths. Opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1978, the fortunes of Brighton Marina have unfortunately been as up and down as the tide.

Coming in very over budget, The Marina was, until the 90's, something of a white elephant. The huge concrete monstrosity entry ramps more akin to a motorway interchange than anything inspired by Cannes or Monte Carlo and it was difficult to temp anyone away from the more attractive delights of Brighton's beachfront.

Recent additions may, however, indicate a turn in the tide. Intensive building work produced over 800 apartments, an ASDA superstore as well as bowling, casino and gym complexes. The more recent Waterfront development was an ambitious attempt at creating a continental style boardwalk with shops, bars and restaurants, along with a 70 room boutique hotel - some of which has achieved a degree of success. When the weather's kind, it is undoubtedly a pleasant area to meet with friends for lunch, or watch the yachts come and go over a coffee.

More development is in the pipeline with controversial plans for a 40 storey tower block and extensive renovation of existing facilities - though there are local concerns over the height and scale of proposed new buildings. This also comes at a time when the Black Rock area to the west looks set to be developed to create an indoor events arena and ice rink.

Who knows... they may even decide to do something about those concrete ramps while they're at it...