The explosion of new media in Brighton has attracted a multi-million pound property investment.

Brighton-based Stiles Harold Williams is letting a 28,000sqft building, Exion 27, currently taking shape on the edge of the new city.

Director Martin Clark said: "The decision to invest £4.25 million in Brighton is recognition of the growth and success of our local new media firms. The area is crying out for redevelopment schemes of this type and there are plenty of new media companies keen to expand into good-quality accommodation.

"Exion 27 should be the start of many similar projects."

The two-storey building, overlooking the A27 in the Hollingbury Business Park, will be completed in six to eight weeks. It has been designed to house production on the ground floor and open-plan offices upstairs.

Mr Clark said: "Even though construction is still taking place, we have had inquires from national media, pharmaceutical and electronics companies, some with bases in Sussex and others looking at moving to the area.

"There have been major inroads by telecommunications firms to the county and Ericsson has expressed an interest. The site has been set up to house production and office areas but many of the firms have been talking about needing 100 per cent office space because of rising staff numbers."

The company has been in negotiation with internet providers to ensure the building would be fitted with cabling capable of providing permanent broadband access.

Mr Clark said: "Every effort has been made to ensure the infrastucture has been constructed to a level suitable for cutting-edge media firms."

www.shw.co.uk