Brighton's former music library in Church Street, has a new owner.

The building dates back to 1925 and was first used as offices and showrooms for the Brighton and Hove General Gas Company.

The new owner is The Massey Group.

Graham Halfacree, of Flude Commercial, said the premises, which have A3 consent, consist of basement, ground and first floor plus an outside area suitable for additional seating and could have many uses.

The building is close to the North Laine, opposite The Corn Exchange and adjacent to the Jubilee Street redevelopment.

The building was purchased by way of a 150-year lease at a price in the region of £1 million.

Meanwhile, following the relocation of the Music Service Trust in Lewes to purpose-built premises, Oakley Commercial has completed the sale of the trust's former offices and academy premises in Fisher Street and Watergate Lane.

The buildings were sold on a best and final offers basis and attracted considerable interest, with the guide prices on both exceeded.

The Watergate Lane building has been bought by a private individual for conversion to a house.

The former music academy in Fisher Street, opposite Lewes police station has been purchased by a property developer.

It is now subject to a dual planning application for a ten-bedroom boutique hotel and restaurant and a restaurant bar with private house.

Chris Oakley, of Oakley Commercial, said: "The Music Academy in Fisher Street is a very interesting building and originally used for civic purposes, to record births, marriages and deaths.

"The building is extremely well suited to hotel or bar/restaurant use and has a beautiful high vaulted ceiling in the main ceremonies room."

Tuesday October 28, 2003