Brighton was founded by the Saxons as a modest farming and fishing port called Brighthelmstone. In the mid 18th century the popular theories of Doctor Russell of Lewes led wealthy urbanites to flock to the coast in order to benefit from the health giving qualities of sea air and salt water. The town's close proximity to London made it the ideal destination, growing rapidly to accommodate the new cosmopolitan population. Between 1782 and 1845 royal patronage lead to the construction of the Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Racecourse, Assembly rooms and pleasure gardens. By 1885 the town extended three miles from Hove to Kemp Town, its seaside frontage lined with elegant Regency terraces, crescents and squares.
The idea of building into the sea for pleasure activities was first realised by the construction of the Chain Pier in 1823, followed by the West Pier in 1866 and Palace Pier in 1899. The Brighton Marina can be seen as an extension of this desire to inhabit the seafront.
In 1963, over 120 years after a scheme for Marina was first suggested, Henry Cohen conceived the idea of a harbour at Kemp Town, putting forward a scheme for a Marina and associated entertainment, residential and conference facilities.
Between 1972-1977, this amazing construction achievement was built between the cliffs and sea, including creating 127acres (51ha) of reclaimed land and moorings for 1500 boats.
After the Marina opened in 1979 the Brighton Marina Company went into receivership after only the first building in the development plan had been built - the multi-storey car park.
Brent Walker then bought the superstore. By the 1990’s they too went into administration which led to piecemeal development of further leisure facilities and residential accommodation. Then in 1998 Parkridge Developments bought the land and built the popular Waterfront and consulted with the local community on a master-plan for enhancement of Brighton Marina.