9:10am Monday 4th May 2009
By Andy Chiles
Plans have been unveiled to transform a rundown city district into a Parisian-style tree-lined boulevard surrounded by a network of bustling lanes.
The scheme to regenerate the London Road area also includes proposals to create a new public square and establish a cafe culture in backstreets currently frequented by drug addicts.
The masterplan has been revealed by Brighton and Hove City Council following months of preparation.
The work was sparked by an outcry from desperate residents and shopkeepers who threatened to withhold their taxes last September, protesting that the area had been neglected and become ridden with crime, street drinkers and drug dealers.
The masterplan will go on public display in the next few weeks.
It involves revamping or redeveloping several buildings around London Road, improving roads and public spaces and encouraging different use of the existing layout.
The council said the document included ways to get more investment in the area and improvements to sustainability and traffic flow.
Geoffrey Theobald, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “This is an important gateway to the city. It could and should be so much nicer.
"We need to bring in measures which ensure traffic keeps flowing, people can get about feeling safe and that many streets are made much tidier and more welcoming."
The plan suggests making the main London Road a boulevard lined by trees and with widened pavements.
A square would be created at the junction with Ann Street, linking to improved pedestrian and cycle routes to Brighton Station in one direction and along Oxford Street to The Level in the other.
It would be the location for most bus stops.
Part of the plan would be to encourage more activity away on smaller roads off the main street.
Back streets including Providence Place and Elder Place would be designated "active", meaning businesses would be encouraged to use the outdoor space for cafe seating and other uses.
The proposals identify several areas where space could be provided for all sizes and natures of shops and businesses, although no firms are identified.
Councillor Ian Davey, who represents the St Peter's and North Laine ward which includes London Road, said: "This contains some innovative ideas. I particularly like the idea of transforming Providence Place and Elder Place. Those are the areas where the kind of activities happen that people want to see changed."
Campaigners have been concerned that a new Tesco superstore will be part of any regeneration.
Development firm St James' Investments, which has worked with the corporation before, has bought up a large amount of property in the area.
It has been waiting for this council blueprint plan before progressing with its own.
Christina Summers, from campaign group Another London Road, said: "It is worrying that this masterplan doesn't appear to include anything which will prevent Tesco from forcing its way into the area."
A six week consultation will start on Tuesday, May 26. Copies of the plans will be at city libraries and www.brighton-hove.gov.uk.
An exhibition will be held at the old Co-op department store in London Road from Thursday June 4 to Saturday June 6.
Coun Theobald will consider the scheme at a meeting at Hove Town Hall on Thursday May 7.
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