RESIDENTS will get a chance to have their say on the future of a building once dubbed Brighton and Hove’s ugliest building.

Developers First Base and The Hyde Group are launching a public consultation on the future use of Anston House in Preston Road, Brighton.

The eyesore has been unused for almost 30 years and has been subject to a number of failed planning applications – most recently a 15-storey development for 231 homes rejected in 2013 and a conversion to 44 flats granted last year.

The first of a number of consultation events on the site over the next eight months will be held tomorrow between 3pm and 7.30pm at the Jurys Inn Hotel in Stroudley Road, Brighton, with residents, stakeholders and businesses invited to attend.

An information newsletter has also been delivered to the more than 3,000 local residents living close to the site.

Renowned architects Conran and Partners, who are also working on plans for Saltdean Lido, have been appointed as the lead designer on the project set to convert the derelict office building into around 200 new apartments.

The proposed redevelopment of Anston House marks the first time that First Base and The Hyde Group have collaborated on a project and a first for London-based developers First Base outside of the capital.

David Rothwell, development manager for First Base said: “We feel this site offers a really exciting opportunity to develop a fitting development at an important gateway location in Brighton.

“We know there is a well established community in the local area and it is important that whatever we create fits in well.”

A project website has been established at firstbase-anstonhouse.com, and anyone wanting additional information should contact the project’s freephone information line on 0800 148 8911.