Having been in the property business in Brighton and Hove for more than ten years now, the way certain areas of the city change and progress is a constant buzz of interest and excitement. Recently, in particular, due to myself being hands on with an extensive refurbishment project situated between Church Road and Kingsway in Hove, the buoyant vibrancy and the abundant improvement in properties, restaurants and cafes has become much more noticeable and it’s a blessing to be able to watch the changes occurring day to day.

Church Road is essentially the hub of Hove, running through all the most desirable residential avenues and roads. Old run down terraced shops on this road have now largely been converted to modern, trendy delis, bakeries, boutiques and high quality intercontinental restaurants giving Hove a much more cosmopolitan feel compared to years ago. The latest commercial popular hit is a small bakery and cafe at the bottom of the Drive called Bake Out. This used to be an old photography shop and sat empty for years. The new owners have brought the property back to life offering outside seating and it is well placed opposite the supremely popular local butchers Canham and Sons. Other boarded up properties are being renovated by the day, and this strive for improvement is excellent for local businesses, residents to enjoy a lovely lifestyle and investors alike buying into the city.

Equally up and coming is the roadside section of shops and cafes along Kingsway heading towards the King Alfred’s Centre. Most of the terraced commercial buildings are all now converted to successful small businesses and dining venues which attract lunchtime trade to locals and people visiting the beach which is a few steps away. One particular success, a traditional Italian restaurant called Francos, now open all day. The young inspired owner moved from his home country to set up his own restaurant and named his business after his father, Franco. The changes on this part of Kingsway called Victoria Terrace are lifting the attraction for living around this area of Hove exponentially and no doubt these businesses will thrive when the new £40 million renovation of the tired King Alfred’s Centre takes place and becomes the new sports centre with a staggering 560 apartments for sale. The planning consultations are starting this year and the council have approved £8 million to put towards the costings, so it looks like the renovations will finally take place after Crest Nicholson have now been selected as the chosen developers. Exciting times ahead!

Portia Pond – Sure Horizons. Tel: 01273 775910. Mob: 07795 217206

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