Brunswick Square in Hove up for Google award (From The Argus)

Brunswick Square in Hove up for Google award

1:52pm Thursday 18th February 2010 in News By Richard Gurner

A historic seafront square has been put forward for a national award, which will literally put it on the map.

Brunswick Square in Hove has been nominated for Britain’s most picturesque street in the Google Street View Awards.

The internet search engine giant wants to find the best streets in Britain and is asking for the public to vote on a shortlist.

Brunswick Square was nominated by TV presenter Julia Bradbury. She said: “Brunswick Square must be one of the most desirable addresses in Brighton.

“Can you imagine living in one of those grand white Regency buildings taking in the wonderful ocean view?

Gorgeous.”

Residents have set up a campaign to make sure the square takes the top honour.

Jamie Marshall, a 41-yearold photographer, is a member of The Friends Of Brunswick Square and Terrace.

Hesaid: “Brunswick Square is a fabulous place to live and it’s an architectural gem. It was the first housing estate in the country – albeit built for the gentlemen and noblemen of Europe.”

Brunswick Town was a planned Regency new town designed by architect Charles Busby, responsible for designing much of Regency Brighton and Hove.

The first houses in Brunswick Terrace were ready in 1826 and much of the terrace and square was completed by 1834.

Because of its historical importance, the square has managed to keep many modern intrusions such as communal bins and estate agents’ boards at bay.

Google Street View shows eye-level views of addresses.

It is not yet available for streets in Brighton and Hove but the company has been spotted driving through the city taking pictures.

A Google spokesman said a launch date had yet to be decided.

Brunswick Square faces tough competition from Bath, York and Oxford.

For more information about the competition and to vote for Brunswick Square, visit www.google.com/landing/beststreetsuk