£100m development’s finally moving ahead (From The Argus)

Brighton city centre £100m development moving ahead

10:30am Sunday 25th November 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Cathedral Group's model of the Circus Street development off Grand Parade in Brighton

This is the first image of the £100million redevelopment plans for a disused market.

Developer Cathedral Group has appointed award-winning architects shedkm to design its plans for the Circus Street development, off Grand Parade, Brighton.

The proposal, which is being dubbed “Grow Brighton”, is for around 200 new homes, a library, 3,000sqm of office space, as well as retail, café and restaurant units.

Moving ahead The University of Brighton also wants to house up to 400 students on the site while a regional dance studio is also planned.

With a development agreement signed with Brighton and Hove City Council, it is hoped a planning application could be submitted in spring.

Richard Upton, chief executive of Cathedral, said: “We want to deliver a beautifully designed, highly sustainable scheme, which will reinvigorate this part of the city centre, capture the spirit of Brighton and contribute to the growth of the city socially, culturally and economically.

“Shedkm understands our desire to create a people-focused place that is perfect for Brighton and has an impressive track record of designing sensitive and innovative mixed-use schemes in urban areas.”

The 1.8 hectare plot on the former municipal market and adjoining car park has been vacant for at least five years.

Redevelopment

Plans to redevelop it were first signed in 2007, but these were adjusted last year to reflect the current economic climate.

Council bosses believe it will create 170 jobs and inject at least £150million into the local economy over the next ten years.

Sustainable living It is claimed it will be one of the most sustainable communities in the UK.

Deputy council leader Phélim Mac Cafferty, said: “It is really pleasing to get this project moving forward.

“We are working really hard with our partners to kick start development in the city and attract much needed investment.

“The appointment of architects heralds a turning point and underlines the commitment to create a sustainable development that will bring housing and jobs, as well as arts and education opportunities.

“While plans for the development are drawn up, the space will be used on a temporary basis as a pop up market for the creative industries, which is a fantastic idea and will help to support a growing sector of our economy.”

Liverpool-based shedkm has just been appointed to lead East Croydon’s £500million Ruskin Square development.

It has also worked on the Fort Dunlop plans in Birmingham and regenerating a number of old buildings in Merseyside.

Professor Julian Crampton, vice-chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “We are very excited this project is moving ahead and are looking forward |to the benefits it would bring for students, staff and the local economy.”

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