THE public are being invited to have their say on the future of an 18th century house and gardens.

A public exhibition is to be held at Moulsecoomb Place in Lewes Road, Brighton, from 11am to 4pm on July 16 and 17.

The event, titled Future Thinking, will see the temporary community arts venue The Riwaq reconstructed on the lawns of the property with free music and family entertainments on offer.

The Riwaq was previously on show on Hove Lawns as part of the Brighton Festival.

The Cathedral Group acquired the site, which includes the Grade II listed manor house and Tithe Barn, as well as neighbouring student blocks, from the University of Brighton.

Working closely with Brighton and Hove City Council and the University of Brighton, Cathedral Group is exploring options to restore the buildings and gardens, enabling development on the neighbouring student accommodation.

Richard Upton, CEO of Cathedral Group, said, “Please bring your families and join us on the lawns, meet the team working on the project and share your thoughts on our work in progress.

“Our goal is to enhance the old buildings and gardens, making the whole site more accessible right up to Moulsecoomb Station, and create a sustainable and lively place which brings benefit to the local community and the wider city.”

Proposed ideas for the area include a food-related hub that could provide a space for innovative, purposeful organisations working in the food sector in the city.

The project team is also exploring ideas with local businesses and organisations to ensure the project has a positive social and economic impact for Moulsecoomb and the wider area.

The group also wants to hear from local residents on how they would like to use the gardens.

The public consultation will also be open online from July 16 to 31, and will include a survey to submit comments at www.moulsecoombplace.com.

A second exhibition with more detailed proposals will be held later in the year, with a view to submitting a planning application to regenerate the site.