Developer stands by its Anston site plans (From The Argus)
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Developer stands by its Anston site plans
1:40pm Sunday 3rd March 2013 in News By Kimberly Middleton, Acting chief reporter
The developer behind multi-million pound plans to demolish Brighton’s ugliest building claims to be committed to the scheme, despite reporting financial problems.
Urban Splash currently has plans being considered by Brighton and Hove City Council to demolish Anston House on Preston Road and build homes and office space up to 15 storeys high.
But accounts filed by the company showed pre-tax losses of 2011/12 of £15.4million, up 64% on the previous year.
The company lost 25 of its staff, dropping from 142 to 117 employees from 2011 to 2012.
A spokeswoman for Urban Splash acknowledged the debts and said: “We remain committed to the scheme in Brighton.”
In a statement Urban Splash said: “We have a strong brand, which is rare in the property sector, and we are hopeful that we can conclude our negotiations with the banks in the next few months, putting the group on a sound financial platform for the forseeable future.”
It is hoped the plans will be put in front of Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee in the coming weeks.
The scheme, if given the go ahead, will see 231 homes and more than 2,000sqm of office space built on the currently derelict 1.5 acre site.
Campaigners against the scheme, who believe the planned project is too big and too high, are meeting on Tuesday from 8pm at St Luke’s Church to discuss the plans.
They are supported in their objections by The Brighton Society, The Preston and Patcham Society, residents of Dyke Road Drive and The Prestonville Community Association whose members are all concerned about plans for the site that overlooks Preston Park, a Grade II listed parkland.
Objector and Dyke Road Drive resident Allan Grainger said: “Anston House might be an ugly building but we don’t want to replace it with a grotesque monster.
“We don’t want Brighton to become a mini London with lots of skyscrapers.
“We’re not against development but we want it to be appropriate.”
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Comments(5)
bug eye
says...
5:05pm Sun 3 Mar 13
george smith
says...
5:26pm Sun 3 Mar 13
bug eye wrote:Unlikely they are broke
There seems to be a trend for inset balconies that make a building look boxy and bland especially with the planned punched metal screens and terracotta tiling with yellow brick this is all a bit mish mash and naff design. Give us truly iconic 21st century buildings like the Shard or Gherkin, no more 80s style or pastiche naff boxes. lets move on this is the 21st century and what are we leaving as a legacy is blandness worse than that of the 1940s to naughties. Our predecsesors had more courage and style.We do not always want to listen to the minority pressure groups who do not want change, so long as change is truly stunning.
rolivan
says...
11:08pm Sun 3 Mar 13
“We don’t want Brighton to become a mini London with lots of skyscrapers.
“We’re not against development but we want it to be appropriate.”
So what would be your suggestion Mr Grainger a clear view to the park perhaps?
Worthingwithoutbuses!
says...
9:19am Mon 4 Mar 13
One thinks we should all shout...NIMBY!
"Glass of water for Mr Grainger" (A-Y-B-S)
teaboy says...
4:32pm Sun 3 Mar 13
Brighton business as usual, then.