RESIDENTS will be given a chance to fulfil their childhood dream and take on the city’s very own Crystal Maze.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee has granted permission for developers to convert part of the former Hollingbury Custody Centre, Sussex House, in Crowhurst Road, into an “immersive adventure experience” inspired by the popular Channel Four programme.

The decision to approve the plans was made on Wednesday at Hove Town Hall, after the application was deferred from August, to allow officers the opportunity to review additional information submitted by developer Matsim.

Committee chairwoman, councillor Julie Cattell, said: “The council sees its role as supporting economic activity such as tourism, whenever it can.

“We’re keen wherever possible to give visitors more reasons to come to the city, particularly if attractions can help boost business in the winter or when weather is not so good.

“It was granted a ten year permission so that it could be used for general business employment in the future.

“But it will also provide employment on site in this new role.”

The Crystal Maze plans were welcomed by tourism and leisure experts who said it would positively enhance the city’s facilities.

The plans cover two floors in the north-east corner of the 22,000 square foot building, with the rest of the site being retained for potential office space.

Matsim hopes to create an attraction similar to the Crystal Maze attractions in London and Manchester.

It’s proposed the centre, which could create up to 40 jobs, would open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 7pm on Sundays, offering visitors two adventure routes for teams of up to eight to enjoy.

Customers would be collected from themed pick-up points, including Brighton, Lewes and Falmer railway stations.

Joe Miller, councillor for Rottingdean Coastal ward, said: “I welcome this and think it will be a good use for employment.

“Part of the office space is a bit dungeon-like and probably could not be used as an office anyway.”

The planning application was approved subject to the condition that a sustainable transport contribution of £20,000 is made.

The money will be used for bus stop improvements near the site and for real time public transport information to be displayed at the Crowhurst Road north bus stops.

Matsim offered the building to be used by rough sleepers earlier this year.