Government Funding to Transform Brighton MET's Hospitality and Catering Facilities 

A hospitality and catering training facility in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine is set for a major transformation after Brighton MET secured funding through the Department for Education’s Post-16 Capacity Fund.  

This investment will support the redevelopment of the college’s hospitality and catering facilities, creating a landmark modern restaurant and industry-standard professional and training kitchens where students can gain real-world experience in a live commercial environment.  

Located at Brighton MET’s Pelham Street campus, the project will refurbish,  reconfigure and upgrade existing facilities that have reached the end of their economic life, creating an enhanced learning environment designed to meet growing demand for hospitality and catering education. Learner numbers in the subject area have increased by more than 50% over the last three years, with applications continuing to rise.

At the heart of the redevelopment will be newly designed kitchen facilities, with dedicated professional and training spaces. Students will develop their practical skills, progressing through specialist teaching facilities to commercial standard kitchens serving customers in the college’s public-facing restaurant.

The transformed restaurant will continue to welcome members of the public while providing students with invaluable experience in a real working environment, helping them develop the confidence, technical expertise and industry knowledge sought by employers.

The project will create capacity for over 60 full-time learners aged 16 to 19, alongside 30 new apprentices, helping to address skills shortages within Brighton’s thriving hospitality and visitor economy. 

Jon Rollings, Chief Operating Officer at Chichester College Group, said: 

“This investment is fantastic news for Brighton MET, our students and the wider hospitality sector.

“Our restaurant and training kitchens have long played an important role in developing future chefs, hospitality professionals and business owners. This redevelopment will create facilities that truly reflect modern industry standards, giving students the opportunity to learn, train and work in an environment that mirrors the industry they aspire to join.

“Located in the heart of Brighton’s vibrant North Laine, the restaurant is already a valued part of the local community. The transformation will ensure it continues to provide exceptional learning opportunities while strengthening its role as a destination for visitors and residents alike.”

Hospitality and catering play a vital role in Brighton & Hove’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs across restaurants, hotels, cafés and tourism businesses. The redevelopment will help ensure local employers continue to benefit from a pipeline of highly skilled, work-ready talent trained in an industry-standard environment.  

The new facilities are expected to be complete and available to learners from September 2027.