THE FORMER Astoria Cinema could be demolished and replaced with more than 70 flats and office space under new proposals.

Plans have been submitted for the demolition of the historic cinema in Gloucester Place, Brighton, for a new building up to seven storeys high.

The new building would have room for 73 new flats ranging between one and four bedrooms as well as 310 square metres of commercial space which could be used for offices or shops.

Perks for tenants will include a large reception lounge area with a 24 hour concierge, equipped fitness studio, cinema room, dining and entertainment space and courtyard garden.

Applicants Knightsbridge Student Housing has increased the amount of housing for the site against the amount of office space.

The firm said that the current scheme is “far more appropriate” for the city’s needs – especially as no developers had expressed an interest in the large amount of office space proposed in earlier schemes “despite extensive marketing”.

Under previously agreed plans just six flats were proposed with 578 sqm of restaurant and café space and 3,301 square metres of office space.

The applicants say that the new scheme will have a greater number of floor levels but will retain the same height from previously approved schemes.

Many of the flats will have west facing balconies overlooking the courtyard and sixth floor properties will have balconies and terrace areas.

If approved, the building would include 11 studio flats, ten single bedroom flats, 39 two bedroom flats, ten three bedroom flats and three four bedroom flats.

The developers were also behind the redevelopment of the Co-op in London Road and are now looking to diversify into the private rental market.

The firm said that they would look to attract tenants wishing to live in the centre of the city but who are currently being priced out of the market.

They said they had ruled out the possibility of providing on-site car parking because it would make the project less sustainable as creating an entrance to an underground car park would impact on the conservation area, while loading facilities will be available for residents.

Simon Bareham, director at the agents, Lewis and Co Planning, said: "The Astoria Cinema is a grade II listed building.

“The site benefits from an extant listed building consent for its demolition, and so the principle of demolition is already accepted.

“The existing building is, in many ways, at odds with its conservation area setting.

“The building’s rhythm does not complement neighbouring properties affecting the setting of the Valley Gardens conservation area, and the very bulky rear end is completely out of scale with the North Laine conservation area to the west.”

Background

The Grade II Listed Brighton Astoria, designed by Edward Albert Stone, who also designed the Brixton Astoria (now Brixton Academy), opened in December 1933.

It was capable of seating 1,823 people, had a tea room and restaurant and full stage facilities.

The rarely used theatre stage was closed off in 1958 as part of renovations which saw the installation of a cinema screen.

The cinema closed on May 7, 1977, following a final screening of Barbra Streisand’s A Star is Born.