Brighton council chiefs remain committed to redeveloping a giant digital hub – despite cost estimates reaching £10 million.

The eight-storey New England House in New England Street, Brighton provides office space to a range of firms, mainly specialising in digital and media industries.

Despite the building in dire need of an overhaul, freeholders Brighton and Hove City Council said it is committed to explore all avenues to bring the building up to scratch.

The building has now been included in its City Deal bid, which could mean the local authority uses localised powers to finance the full regeneration.

Green councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the council’s economic development committee, said: “We are still working on how to modernise New England House to build on its success as a hub space for digital and creative industries.

“Those are the future growth sectors which will provide the city with high-skill, high wage jobs, as well as capitalising on the expertise we have here along with the emerging talent coming from our universities.

“One avenue we’re exploring is whether the government’s City Deal programme could help us with New England House. That’s an ongoing negotiation.”

Since initial plans were drawn up years ago, the council has teamed up with digital business support group Wired Sussex and the University of Sussex to bring the scheme forward.