About
A bit of History
Kingsway Court is one of the many blocks built in the 1960s but its position on the seafront between Adelaide Mansions and what is now King's House makes it very special to our residents. A terrace of seven townhouses numbered 1-7 Queen's Gardens originally occupied the site which became the Kingsway Hotel in the 1930s. No. 7 was occupied by the Sassoon family and King Edward VII was a visitor. The rest of Queen's Gardens, seven more townhouses, are now King's House: built in 1871.
The Regency Society's James Gray Collection includes a wonderful photo of the Kingsway Hotel with an obvious clue as to why it was demolished in 1960 – a great chunk of it was damaged by a World War II bomb! The original Kingsway Court sales brochure stated, "magnificently equipped flats in one of the finest positions on the South Coast fitted with every possible amenity," The balconies' teak handrails, cocktail bars and 24-hour porter service are detailed. The Bali Brasserie now occupies part of the ground floor and the original giant sweeping bar remains intact. "Flats available from £3,250," states the sales brochure. Now that's one part of the 1960s that we can only dream of today.
The early 1990s saw Kingsway Court as the subject of a fierce legal battle. The freeholder was the pension fund of Mars (the chocolate people) and leaseholders, including the passionate Shula Rich, disputed a £2 million service charge bill. The leaseholders lost that battle but ended up winning the war by buying the building (as Kingsway Court Freeholders Ltd) in 1996. Shula today chairs the Brighton Hove & District Leaseholders Association.
Kingsway Court Today
Kingsway Court today is a well-maintained, sought after building known for its desirable seafront location and communal features. It offers stylish apartments with sea-view balconies. Located in the heart of Hove seafront, its offers excellent proximity to amenities and links to Brighton town centre, which is walking distance away.
