THE first business at a new £130 million residential and commercial development is about to open.

The Circus Street site in Brighton includes 142 affordable and private homes, 450 student accommodation bedrooms, 30,000 sq. ft of office space and food, drink and retail units.

The £130 million development will create more than 400 new jobs and add £200 million gross value to the local economy in the next ten years.

Next month, White Cloud Coffee will become the first business to open its doors at the development.

The 1,130 sq. ft café will have indoor and outdoor seating for up to 40 people and overlooks the new Market Square and the Dance Space outdoor performance area.

The Argus: White Cloud Coffee directors Craig Pitt (left) and Phil Grundy White Cloud Coffee directors Craig Pitt (left) and Phil Grundy

White Cloud Coffee, which also has a site on Madeira Drive, is run by directors Craig Pitt and Phil Grundy.

Craig said: “We believe in putting passion into everything that we do; that’s why we focus on creating the right atmospheres at our cafes that reflect the local community.

“We work with leading chefs and sommeliers to create tantalising roast profiles for our coffees, because we think that even if you have just one cup of coffee in the morning, you should make it count, and it makes you feel great.”

The former fruit and vegetable market site development was led by U+I and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Rob Sloper, development director at U+I, said: “White Cloud Coffee will be an important cornerstone of the new Circus Street community and we have more ground floor space ready for other exciting and innovative businesses to move in and help create a joyful atmosphere here.

“We are in discussions with a range of creative businesses to move into The Office at Circus Street.”

The Argus: Circus Street includes 142 homes, 450 student accommodation bedrooms, 30,000 sq. ft of office space and food, drink and retail unitsCircus Street includes 142 homes, 450 student accommodation bedrooms, 30,000 sq. ft of office space and food, drink and retail units

Tech firm Hyve has also signed a lease for the top two floors of The Office at Circus Street, which has six main office floors include 30,000 sq. ft of Grade A space.

On the ground floor, 2,475 sq. ft of retail space is suitable for outlets and shops or one operator managing a range.

The building is environmentally sustainable and has been built to enhance the wellbeing of those inside.